A Mother's Love and a One-Eyed Viking God

This afternoon while reading we came across the word hotheaded. Hotheaded, in the particular text, was defined as; easily angered, ill-tempered. This definition was then summarized by the lovely Yael as, "Like you mom". To which I reticently agreed, "Yes, like me", as we continued.

A few paragraphs later, we come across the story of Odin, God of Wisdom, father of the all powerful Thor. Odin it would seem, gave his eye for a sip from the Spring of Wisdom. As I read this aloud Yael quizzically comments, "He gave away his eye for a drink?". "Not just a drink", I say. Read it again. She reads it and looks back at me like, "What's your point?" I explain and, rather histrionically I might add; arms flailing and all. "Wisdom is huge. Especially, following the Ancient Greeks and Romans. To be wise, learned, sage, a scholar-all of this is greatly important. Yes, important enough to Odin that he'd rather have one eye than be without it". She gives a wide-eyed, understanding nod and says excitedly. "Oh, like the way you'd give away your eyes for me and daddy and Jordan because, we're so important to you?!" Following a deep breath and the restoration of my composure, I reply, "Yes Yael, exactly like that".

I am admittedly the resident hard-ass, education dictator and firm believer in clearly defined boundaries. As our children get older and there's less "Schmoopy-poo" talk, it isn't always clear to me if the deep love I feel for them is evident. Like most, I try to cross my "T's", dot my "I's", kiss boo-boos and understand friends and fashion trends. But, it is difficult to really know if your children or anyone for that matter ever feels loved enough. That is, until you read a diary, a tell all novel or an Introduction to Norse Mythology. Go hug someone and tell them you love them, because I said so! Laughs. Peace.