Monday, October 20, 2008

Best Mommy Award

The other night, I was tucking Toby and Josie into bed for a second time. I have a routine. I tuck the kids into bed at their bedtime, and then I go back in before I go to bed to tuck them in again, cuddle them, kiss them, and whisper "I love you" to them.

I put my mouth to Josie's ear and whispered the usual promises of love that I always do to Josie and her brother. She usually just turns over in her sleep and that's all. But this time, she turned over and mumbled in her sleep, "You're the best mommy in the world."

I've sometimes imagined what it would feel like to win an Oscar. I'd win one for best original screenplay - a film that would be ground-breaking in its genre and eye-opening in changing the way people think. I imagined I'd walk up on stage in front of all those people and millions of TV viewers and say two words: Thank you. And then just walk off. So terribly cool and minimalist.

But winning an Oscar couldn't possibly feel as good as the Best Mommy Award I got from Josie the other night. And unlike an Oscar, which is bestowed upon the winner by a panel of judges who really mean nothing to the winner personally, my award came from the only person (other than Toby) who's qualified to give it and the only person whose judgement really matters to me.

So I accepted my award and whispered back to Josie, "Thank you."

15 comments:

Leighbee said...

And to you I would also like to proudly reply............"thank you"

Anonymous said...

Awwww...that award was worth more then the Oscars and all the other awards put tog! Congrats!
Rubina

Anonymous said...

Shin, I can totally relate to how you must have felt. Coincidentally, yesterday, Jerry gave me an early birthday card which left me glowing and for want of a less corny, cliched word, which I will treasure. It said:

Happy Birthday to you I hope you have nice presents and I hope you ingoy (sic!) your birthday and I love you mum I love you so so much you are the best mum in the world and you are the best thing in the world you are the best goal keper (sic!) in the world and you can do evrey (sic!) thing Love from Jerry

I know you'll be wincing at the total absence of grammar but he is only just 6 and they're still working on full stops and commas in his class!

I guess there's room for us both to be the best mums in the world but I reckon I am the best goal keeper...

I know it's completely cheesy but I really couldn't ask for a more special gift. Even sweeter, he thoughtfully signed it at the back from Laney too. It was completely unprompted (we had vaguely been talking about my birthday coming up in a few weeks -he disappeared for a while and then came back with the card).

I hope he never stops expressing himself so openly and I hope there's a lovely girl out there who'll be at the receiving end of some equally slushy cards one day!

LOL A xx

Shin said...

A,

That sounds like the Jerry I know. I've always had a soft spot for him. There's something very special about him. Ever since he was a little tyke, I felt something about him - more sensitive and thoughtful than most kids his age. He's going to make some girl really, really happy one day. Who knows... maybe he and Josie will find each other again some day?

Anonymous said...

Josie and Jerry... what a gorgeous and sweet combo... when I was growing up, the idea of arranged marriages was completely abhorrent to me but now, I have to confess, I know where my parents were coming from!

A xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Shin

This one really cracked me up. I miss my daughter so much and I seriously would happily exchange places with you if I thought you could live the rest of your life normally with your kids and free of this horrible disease.

Lots of Love

Sean

Shin said...

Sean,

Can you remind me who you are? Your daughter died? Recently? At what age?

What you said about exchanging places with me... what an amazing thing to say.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shin

Sorry I should have explained further. I am the guy that raised the money for Maxim. We only met once at the head shaving fund raiser a few months ago. Here is my daughters story www.jazzywren.com And trust me when I say I meant every word of what I said. I dont know how many times I have leant over these poor kids with cancer and begged for it to come into me so they could be spared. I have had a good life and this crap is just so unfair. In your case its your kids who will suffer if you are gone and that really hurts me a lot. I have been reading this blog ever since you first contacted me when Max came on the seen and I have nothing but admiration for your love and strength, you are a true hero.

Much Love

Sean

Leighbee said...

Dear Sean.....I am not sure who you are or your situation BUT I too lost a daughter and understand your pain....it has been over 5 years now.....I would love to talk further about some of the things that have helped me through my situation and listen to anything you would like to share - in COMPLETE confidence of course...... you can contact me intitially at gleighparker@hotmail.co.uk
I HOPE THAT YOU WILL.......

Shin said...

Sean,

Of course I know you. I've read Jazzy's story, with a lot of tears and a sick feeling in my stomach. That was before I even met you in person.

I think what you've done for Max and other kids makes YOU a hero. My hero. I'd love my own kids to grow up to be like you. I've told them about Max and about you, so maybe they'll get a head start in recognizing a true hero when they see one.

Anonymous said...

Shin and Sean, you are both my heroes! Shin for being the most positive person I know and this despite the intensity of your situation. And Sean for being the most selfless person, giving so much love and care to these poor little children with cancer.

Lots of love,
Karin

Leighbee said...

Ditto...............x

Leighbee said...

Oh to be half the person Sean is.....I too am full of admiration for the strength he shows and delivers to all those around him.....

Anonymous said...

THAT IS SO ADORABLE! And I'm sure that's what most mothers would like to hear from their kids. ( : Like my mom ( :

Anonymous said...

I am really full of admiration for you.