A Mother's Love

One of the most painful moments was hearing the judge mention five years. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately dropped to my knees. Although I was deeply hurt, I knelt to thank God for the mercy shown to my second-born child. Others might never understand this, but when your child could have faced 20 years in prison, five year-long sentence is truly a blessing from the Most High, and I was grateful.

As parents, we never want our children to experience pain or face consequences, no matter their actions. However, that's simply life. Not everything will be perfect. Not every day will be rosy, and the sun won't shine every day. It's up to us how we choose to think on imperfect days, how we decide to act when the sun doesn't shine, and how we respond when something unpleasant happens.

Renewing the mind is essential. Maintaining a positive outlook at all times is crucial. This is important not only for ourselves but also for our children, regardless of their age. Parenting doesn't stop when they turn 18; in fact, it often feels like it's just beginning. You are there to help these young adults navigate life, hoping they will heed your advice to avoid some of the challenges you've faced. However, it's equally important to let your children, once they reach adulthood, live their own lives and make their own decisions, as this is still part of their journey.