Elizabeth was reading some books to Dorothy as part of her bedtime routine when I leaned in and kissed Dorothy a few times, told her good night and that I loved her. She mostly seemed to ignore me, looking instead around for the next book and at what Mommy was reaching for. I wasn't bothered by the apparent dissing, because I also remembered how often, when being held by someone other than Mommy or Daddy, Dorothy would turn to me and reach out, longing for the comfort of her Daddy. All of these events helped me to realize that to some extent, Dorothy is like a fish, and Elizabeth and I are like the sea in which she swims - at times she doesn't notice us, until we're not there. I imagine most parents feel this potentially disturbing (hurtful?) combination of extreme need and off-hand neglect by their children, especially as the balance changes over time.
Posted by Tom Nugent at January 4, 2005 07:17 PMIn 15 or 16 years, remember the "longing for the comfort of her Daddy" while she's yelling and screaming for no apparent reason due to those wonderful teenage years.
:)
Posted by: Seth at January 4, 2005 10:44 PMReceiving phone calls saying "Hi Mom" in a very pathetic voice is right up there with the reaching out looking for the comfort of Daddy feeling :)
Posted by: Mom N at January 13, 2005 05:11 PM