“It is no small thing, when they who are so fresh from God, love us.” – Charles Dickens
When children arrive into earthly life, they bring with them a breath of heaven. Just look into any baby’s eyes and you’ll know it’s true. To be loved by a child is to be loved for one’s self. It’s a love that heals hurts and changes the course of the world. It did for me. When my eldest was placed in my arms, it seemed as if the room lit up. I knew without question, that God exists. I felt whole. I was no longer the girl who defined herself by the wounds of a painful childhood. I was Robby’s mother.
After that came Bridget and then Brian – almost too much love for one heart to hold. My passion to be an artist was always trumped by being with them. It didn’t feel like I even had a choice. They came first. My career would have to be patient. I agree with Jacqueline Kennedy’s observation, “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much.” Looking back over my life, I wouldn’t change a thing. Although being a mother slowed down my painting for awhile, it gave me a much broader range of colors to choose from on my palette. Today I am able to focus on sharing my creative gifts with the world while marveling at the incredible human beings my kids have grown into.
When my children were little, I used to feel their shoulder blades and tell them they were the nubs from the wings they had before they were born. As angels they flew over the world to pick out their families. How lucky their father and I were they chose to land here, with us. Back then I never considered this anything more than a tale told to delight. In the here and now, I know better.
In the portrait I painted of Cooper, the quote from Charles Dickens was the perfect addition. Cooper is a treasure and charms everyone he meets.
Text and images © Sue Shanahan. All rights reserved.
Commonplace Grace 
Very well said, sometimes we forget how important helping a little person grow to become an amazing adult. Very well said
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Truly. I marvel at the human beings my children have grown into.
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Beautiful. thank you. Niji
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I share your belief that children are evidence of God. No doubt babies are miracles! The love we feel for our children is at times overwhelming, isn’t it? And as a new grandparent I can tell you the love for a grandchild is just as overwhelming and joyful!
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Not a grandparent yet, I look forward to the day. I’m sure having a grandchild will wake me up to a whole new kind of love.
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Beautiful seniments! You captured Cooper perfectly in every way. You are so talented, and even though I don’t know you, your gentle spirt shines through your drawing and words.
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Thanks you Susan for the kind words. You’ve made my evening.
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I loved this. I call my 2 sons, God’s miracles. I was told I would probably not be able to have children. Tomorrow my grand daughter will be one month old and her brother is 2 years old. I haven’t been able to travel to see them yet but, every time I see a picture, my love just keeps growing for them. Thank you for sharing.
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Children are a gift and from what I understand, grandchildren take it up a notch. I hope you get to see your’s soon.
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Super cutie pie!
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Definately a snuggle bunny
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