That look…
I recognized that look. The agonizing pain in his eyes. I’ve seen it before.
I first saw that look over five years ago.
We were not returning to the apartment when I told him we would be staying at his grandparents’ house.
The same look he showed me three years ago during his kindergarten graduation day.
When he cried because he wanted Mommy and Daddy to come home together.
He had that look yesterday.
The disappointments…
The sadness…
How he tried to hide his tears but failed to do so.
He buried his head in the pillow, not wanting to show me.
Yet every inch of me feels his pain. Every cell in my body screams to protect him. To seal him from disappointment and heartache. My heart cracked wide open, feeling so helpless.
But all I could do was hold him close.
All I could do was tell him I love him and keep encouraging him to make contacts.
And he shuts down…not knowing how to express his feelings.
So I probe a little deeper.
“Are you angry?”
He only shook his head.
“Are you sad?” I wanted him to be more comfortable using his words to express his feelings.
“Yes, I’m sad….”
“It’s been months, Mommy…” he whispered.
“I know it has been a long time, right?” Running my fingers through his thick hair, my heart is weeping for this sweet boy of mine. “Then message Daddy…you can ask him too.”
“He is busy…”
“Maybe he is busy, but he can reply to your message when he can.”
His father moved out of the country earlier this year to Cambodia, and I keep trying to bridge them to communicate. Sometimes it feels like I am stretching it too far…I don’t want him to feel like his father has forgotten him. I only wish they could have a great relationship together. I understand his father has a lot on his plate, but his almost nine years old son needs to connect with his Dad.
I wish I could fix things for my son, but I can’t…I can only give him the love and support he needs as he tries to understand the different dynamics in his life. By acknowledging his feelings, making him feel secure in letting us see how much he misses his father, and reassuring him that all of we love him. These are all the things that I could do, albeit those that are beyond my control…at least I can do that.
Has motherhood ever left you feeling helpless?
I’m linking up with my favorite Australian blogger MacKenzie from Reflections from Me.
I’m so sorry that you and your son are in pain. I have been in your shoes, and it seems like you are doing the very best that you can. It’s never easy – hang in there!
I feel terrible for you and especially your son. It’s tough being a parent and not being able to make the hurt go away. I do hope his father will realize how important it is to communicate with his son and to let him know that he’s loved and cherished.
Motherhood is not easy and can sometimes leave one feeling helpless. I think it has happened to us all! I’m sorry your son is feeling sad. I hope things get better!
I am not a parent yet so I can only imagine what you’re going through and probably isnt even half of how you’re feeling but I think you’re doing a great job by loving him and caring for him and letting him know its ok to express his feelings
Motherhood is joyous and heart breaking and it never goes away. My children are in their 30’s and it is still hard knowing they are going through situations that can not be fixed by a mother’s hug. Hugs to you but your son has a great support system with a great mom and in the long run that will always make up for any pain he feels in life.
How tough. I can honestly say that I’ve felt this exact way many times. I wish I could just jump in and fix everything, but sadly it doesn’t work that way and it’s heartbreaking. Hugs to you both.
heartbreaking, gosh it can be so unfair what these little ones have to go through! Sucks, it just sucks. So sorry honey. Yes motherhood often leaves us feeling helpless. My 11 year old is mad at me, why did we have to move? Why did we have to say goodbye to our dog Stan? (because he bit your brother in the face), why do you have to work? You don’t have enough time for me! I feel helpless a lot, but I am doing my best and am loving her so much I could burst, we are mothers and we can’t fix things we wish we could. But we can love them. Take care of yourself and thank you for such an honest and touching post #mg
Father & his children. My husband also works away from us. The girls are never excited when their father calls. But when they meet each other, they can get along so closely and go everywhere together. I don’t know how to help them to express themselves when their father is away. I feel you.