Being a parent is no easy thing; anyone who says differently has never been one.
The stark truth of the matter is that raising a family is a journey, and one not always filled with joy and pleasure. As with all things precious, there are ups and there are downs. What makes the biggest difference is how you deal with both.
Cassandra Lane is all too aware of this fact. A mom to five children, she struggles to run an ordinary house and deal with the financial burden involved. Of course, she also knows that bringing up kids isn’t about the money. Loving her children is the most important thing for her, despite the fact she would like to give them new clothes from time to time. One day, however, her self-confidence found itself rocked.
It was school photo day for one of her boys, Zeke, and he was having pictures taken for his high school senior year.
Cassandra was left so influenced by the event that she chose to share what she had seen on Facebook.
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The mom of five wrote: “Earlier this week we went to get Zeke’s senior yearbook pictures. On the way, I noticed his hands. Working hands. Hands that look familiarly like my dad’s work-stained hands and like Brandon’s in the early years of our marriage.
“I told him not to worry about it because they were doing headshots. I was wrong.
“As we sat in line, I notice kids in letterman jackets with their class rings. And I notice Zeke’s stained hands.
“I began to tear up.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216699012291959&set=a.1158516527350.2024081.1360861616&type=3
“Have I given him everything a parent should give to their child as he has grown up? He works out in the heat, 30-40 hours a week during the summer. He didn’t want a class ring or a letterman jacket. He didn’t get a new car.
“The mommy comparison game tells me I didn’t show him how much I love him with things. I left there feeling bad about myself and how we have raised our son.
“I’ve been reflecting the last few days and crying a lot, honestly. I apologized to Zeke and he laughed at me. He said, “Why are you sorry? Because you’ve taught me to work hard for things I want? Because I know the value of a dollar? Because I’m not going to think that I deserve to have everything I want?””
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“And my sister reminded me that the best things in life aren’t things, but relationships, and any shortfalls in my parenting are covered by God’s grace.
“So mama’s, if you’re struggling with the parenting comparison game, just know that God gave you the babies you have because he wanted you, YOU, to be their mama. Not someone else.
” I am beyond proud of Zeke, who has taken his brother shopping for a canoe today, using his money that he earned in a vehicle that he fixed with his own hands and gas he paid for by himself.
“I’m not ready for Zeke to grow up, but I think he’s well on his way. 
❤”
Posted by Cassandra Lane on Monday, April 23, 2018
The important things in life
Instead of being upset about what he hasn’t been given, Zeke is happy to have a family who have taught him what is truly important in life. It’s never a good thing to be handed everything you’ve ever wanted without having to struggle for them first.
As a parent you may not be able to give your children all they point to, but it simply doesn’t matter. Love and compassion are the most crucial things, and they cost nothing.
Help us spread Cassandra’s story by SHARING this article on Facebook. Let’s make sure more parents understand the most important part of raising children.
