Kids and fibro...am I a good mother?

I've seen many comments recently on mother's feeling like they aren't good mother's because of their pain conditions. It keeps us from running and playing with our kids; we can't even begin to try and keep up with them. Many days are spent resting in bed or on the couch. Maybe ten minutes of activity here or there, but we feel inadequate as mothers. But the truth is, we shouldn't. The mere fact that you ask yourself if you are a good mother makes you a good mother. You're willing to take an honest look at yourself. That's a leg up on all the women in this world who feel fine each and every day, and rather than use their health to be with their kids, rather than being grateful that they can run and play with their kids, they push them off on anyone else so they can do other things. I would much rather be the mother I am right now than one of those. Yes, our abilities are different. Yes, we have to severely limit what we physically do, but physical activity is not what we cherish most about our parents as we get older. We cherish the words, the time, the love. Those things are not attached to physical movement, they come from deep within us. The part of us that can't be touched by pain. The part of us that would give their life to save that of our children, to insure they are happy and healthy every day of their lives.

We are good mothers by our words of love to our kids, by the time we spend with them regardless of what we are doing, and by our attitude towards our life and health. The greatest gift we can give our children is to love and care for their mother because we are the only one they will ever have. No one will ever take our place in their hearts. Regardless of our physical abilities, we set an example for our children by who we are as people each and every day. Love yourself. Care for yourself. Be patient with yourself. Be grateful for every day you have that you can tell your children you love them. Be honest with them. They can understand far more than we think they can. I can guarantee every mother who suffers from this disease, your children will love you in spite of your medical conditions. They will see you for who you are deep within your heart and soul. Just don't shut them out.

We are amazing mothers, capable of amazing feats and strengths that far exceed that of the average mother because of our conditions. And we are raising amazing kids who will learn through us to be loving and empathetic to all human beings regardless of their physical abilities. This is a life lesson we are uniquely suited to teach, which makes each of us one of the best mothers on this earth.