I’ve been blessed with an amazing mom, mother-in-law and friends who are superb examples of what a noble and sacred calling motherhood really is. I absolutely love this quote:
“You will never be this loved again. So, on those days when you are feeling stressed out, touched out, and depleted, just remember that you will never be this loved again. One day you will long for their affection. So choose a soft voice, choose gentle hands, choose love.” -AK
I was recently talking to Bode about our summer plans and I told him that he and his sister were not going to wimp out at Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Last year, the park opened a new ride called the Brain Drain and they refused to go on this fun 7-story ride that does that sends riders forwards, backwards and head-over-heels in an adrenaline-packed 360° revolution. I’m a firm believer in pushing kids out of their comfort zones. However, I’m not out to traumatize them. At Disney, they go on rides far scarier and they drag me on Space Mountain (which I HATE).
A couple of years ago, my friend Tina made me ride the Mind Eraser at Elitch and it was 90 seconds of sheer hell. And swearing. Then repentance. I’d never make them go on that.
But the Brain Drain is a nice, gentle introduction to Hades, without all the fire and brimstone. Bode doesn’t agree.
“Mom, I’m not going on the Brain Drain. You can’t force a child to do something.”
“I can and I will. It’s called motherhood.”
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 