How Dr. Seuss Has Taught Me

Dr. Seuss is an author who strove to teach children lessons through his words. His books read like children's novels, but the writing is invaluable. One of my favorite books is Oh, the Places You'll Go! My friend gave this book to me as a graduation present. I read it a few weeks later and marveled at the sound advice. These lines especially caught my eye.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

I am not a career woman. I am a stay-at-home mom. Yet, I feel these words resounding in my head.

As a child I imagined myself as the best mother ever. I knew I would love my children with all my heart and avoid all the mistakes my parents made. I would be their best friend, counselor, and greatest support.

These fantasies were important. While I have learned that their is no such thing as a perfect mother, I can still strive to be the best mother. But, even when I'm not, because sometimes I won't be (too often, I fear), I must continue on. Each day brings new chances.

My daughter is young enough that she won't remember the mistakes I made the previous day. Yet, as she gets older, she will remember them. She may even hold them over my head. However, if I try my hardest to say those important words, those that can often be the hardest to utter, the words I'm sorry, I will be doing my best.

I can still be my daughter's best friend, counselor, and greatest support. As the years have gone by, I have rearranged these ideals and grouped them under the all encompassing category of Mother. I will nurture and love, support and encourage, comfort and counsel.

Above all, I will pray. I believe I cannot do this alone. If I tried, I would too often allow those "Bang-ups" and "Hang-ups" to dishearten me.

I will be strong. I will ignore those deceiving thoughts that tell me "You are imperfect. You will never amount to what you think you should be. You will ruin your children." Yes, I am imperfect, but I am learning. I have friends and acquaintances who guide me, uplift me, and remind me of how great I am. I have a support system.

As Dr. Seuss said,

But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.

On and on you will hike.
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

That is what I have learned today.