The picture is of Dallas, our oldest, as we dropped him off for 4h fishing camp last week. He wrote a Mother’s Day poem for me last year & I feel it’s worth repeating. It hangs on my wall at work. It’s a reminder to me if the good that exists. It’s a reminder that all of those small things can add up and make an impact. It reminds me that even though life can take us on some detours, hopefully we have some family by our sides to enjoy the journey. Here it is:

“I am from…” by Dallas Frueh

I am from thumb cast fishing poles, from Nike  running shoes & Betty Crocker cake mix. I am from the yellow house on the corner & the backyard that has seen football games, FIFA soccer, and BBQs on hot summer days. I am from the garden that provides corn, peas, beans, squash and sweet potatoes. I am from going to Grandmas for a week every summer and kindness from Cam and Mavis & Myles. I am from laughing out loud everywhere & body humor (farting) everywhere. I am from “learn from your mistakes” & “work before play.” I am from going to Sunday school on Sunday & staying for church. I am from Fargo, Germany, bars & cookies. I am from the time mom survived cancer & the time dad ran his first marathon. I am from the pictures in the hall, bedroom, television set & walls. I am from the love and kindness that you give. Happy Mother’s Day. Love, Dallas

I had tears the first time I read it and goosebumps just writing it here. It’s a reminder to you too – you’re probably not as bad at this parenting thing as you think you are. You never know what will make an impact to your kids. I will never forget my mom shaking up homemade dressing in a mayo jar and singing “La Cucaracha” in our kitchen at the farm. Why? Because it was silly and out of character and we laughed until our stomachs hurt. I don’t know if she remembers it, but I’m quite certain she didn’t “plan it out” to be a memory for me. It was just one of those things that randomly happened. Maybe I needed some cheering up that day, & that was what did it. Maybe it was just a random occurrence – who knows. 

Don’t be afraid to let your guard down and have fun. Be silly & take a break from being an adult every now and then. You will still be enough to your kids & you might be more than you ever imagined! Peace be with you on your journey of enough.