You’ve probably heard it lots of times, especially if you’ve
ever flown on an airplane: “In the case
of a loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front
of you…. If you are traveling with a
child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first and then
assist the other person…”
This advice seemed like common sense every time I heard it
until… the first time I flew with my first baby. Even when the flight attendant came and
looked me in the eye to reiterate “put your mask on first, then help your
child” I told her yes but, to be honest, I thought she was crazy. How could I not put my precious baby first?
As ridiculous as it sounds, it took me a long time to
realize that if I passed out I couldn’t do anything for my child. The flight attendant was right ~ my mask had
to come first.
It took me probably another decade to realize the principle
here had far greater application than just in an airplane emergency.
As moms (especially Latter-Day Saint moms) we give so much of ourselves
to our kids, making lots of sacrifices along the way, ensuring everyone and
everything is taken care of ~ except for us.
I always believed there would be time for that “later” ~ you know, when
the kids are older and don’t need so much from me. Little did I understand the stresses of
parenting older teens and young adult children.
The mental and emotional angst can be just as demanding (or more) as
raising young children, especially when our children aren’t following the path
we always planned they would.
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