I'll be there

My son is learning human anatomy in school. Last week they had a project - to research a part of the body and present the results to their peers and parents. Today, I was there to listen to their presentations. There were 10 eye, 8 ear, 3 bones, and 2 cancer presentations. I was there to listen. Next week, they start puberty education. Yesterday, the specialist the school hired to teach it was giving a lecture to the parents. I was there. I know I am going to be bombarded with questions all week, and I need to be ready for a counter-attack.

Being there. Isn't it the main purpose of parenthood? Sure, you think your purpose is to guide, to teach, to control. But it all starts with being there. Being there when they are born. Being there and holding their hand the first day you bring them to daycare, when they are crying their eyes out. Being there for the first day of Kindergarten, when you are crying your eyes out. Being there when they read their first word, to congratulate them. Being there for their first competition, be it gymnastics or a soccer game, to tell them they did great no matter if they won or lost. When the question "where do babies come from" pops in their mind - being there with the answer before an older and wiser best friend or a sibling. Being there through the rebellious teenage years, when they try to push you away. Don't go. Stay there. It's your job. No matter how old they are. No matter how old you are.

Every time my parents were there for me, I remember it and appreciate it. Every time they weren't when I needed them, I remember it too, and I hold a grudge. I can't help it. And I wonder - am I there always when my kids need me? Because they don't always tell you. It's your job to know when to be there - when to offer a guidance, a helping hand, some attention, or when to just be. No matter what else goes on in your life - your job, your partner, your friends - being there for your kids is the most rewarding thing in the world.