The Glue That Binds

By DeeDee

My children look to me to make everything okay. I kiss away booboos, dispel nightmares, and can kill almost any offending bug with one fell swoop. “Kill” may be too strong a word. I “stun” the insect just enough so that it can be flushed without the splattering of bug guts.

Yesterday, I discovered that there is one thing that I can’t fix. My daughter’s first broken heart. My 7 year old recently met a new friend, also 7, who lives down the street. My girls are avid bike riders now, so we venture to the cul de sac, where the girls can tear around and around, without the worry of traffic. “Sheila” has been joining the girls, and they’ve had a wonderful time together, riding bikes and playing hop scotch.

The girls discussed getting together for bike riding, and yesterday, at the appointed time, the new friend came to our door to get Emme (who had been talking about it all day, ad nauseum). Cailey and I tag along as groupies. We all set off to the cul de sac on our bikes. Did I just say “our”? I meant “their” as there is not enough insurance in the state to get me on a bike.

After about 5 minutes of fun and frivolity, Sheila noticed a little friend of hers down the street had just come home and she was going to ride down really quick just to say hi. She came back after a few minutes and was talking to Emme. I knew from my daughter’s face what was happening. I moved closer to hear. It seems that the other friend had invited Sheila over to play inside and she said yes. She apologized a few times, and rode off. The angry mama bear in me bristled. Emme maintained her grace as she quietly mumbled “That’s okay” after her erstwhile friend, and we headed home. When we were safely out of view, I saw tears begin to stream down my daughter’s face. By the time we got in the door, she was crying hysterically. She didn’t understand why her friend would just leave her like that.

I held her in my arms and gently rocked her while she cried. We talked about the incident at great length. A painful life lesson. One of the first of many I’m certain. We discussed how to treat other people, forgiveness, the love of Jesus, and how many cookies she should eat for a snack.

My heart was broken as well. I realized that sometimes I’m going to have to sit helplessly by, while my children get hurt. No amount of kissing, or adhesive, or Princess bandaids will help them. I can only be there for them, to listen, to offer guidance, and to love them. But then, love is the greatest glue of all.

Originally posted at Fiddledeedee.