Indelible Art

I just picked up (and once I did, I found it hard to put back down) the book My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. If you haven't read this book or seen the major motion movie yet I strongly suggest you do. It was an easy, fabulous, somewhat gut wrenching read. There were several statements the author made in the book which I wish I would have dog tagged or written down to reference back on but I didn't. The ONE that did stand out which resonated with me was the following:
Sara (the mom in the book) was reminiscing about her "previous life" working in corporate America prior to having children and then went on to say "that was before I understood that the smile of a child is a tattoo: indelible art."
I struggled with the decision to quite a job I loved - really loved - and found great satisfaction in to stay home with my children. I had such questions as "where will I receive the same fulfillment in knowing I am making a difference in someones life, do I have the patience to be with my kids full time, will I ever be provided the opportunity to return to the work force and hold a position of such great regard as I do now, can we make it financially, will be able to maintain our current lifestyle or find a new level of comfort, will I find satisfaction in my new "work role", and so forth. Well, the past two years have answered most of those questions and leave me wondering why back then I tried to be the one to be in control. I have been provided the opportunity to gain and nurture some amazing new friendships as well as build on previous ones. I DON'T have the patience required to be the best mom I have the potential to be however I am confident that I am an amazing mommy and am really working toward being more quiet, still, patient with my kids. I indeed find satisfaction in my role as a SAHM even in times of toddler tantrums, toilet training, mundane meal planning, the endless game of pick up & cleaning, etc. Will I return to the work force doing something I love and in a position of such respect? That is unknown, but for now I will relish in the job set before me. A friend once affirmed my first question about making a difference in anothers life by assuring me I AM making a difference in anothers life - the most important two little people in my life. And for that I am grateful!
The smiles of my children are like a tattoo (the only form I will ever sport!).
I will wear them like indelible art.