Share
News

Mom Looks at Son's Dirty Finger Nails in Senior Picture, Knows She Raised Good Man

Share

Parents often wonder if they’re raising their kids right. Despite what our children may believe, we don’t have it all figured out.

As a child, I found myself looking at the designer shoes and brand name backpacks my friends wore to school.

Why couldn’t I have a cool pair of Sketchers or Converse? Why did we have to buy my backpack at Walmart instead of from Anchor Blue?

But over the years, my perspective changed. I became a mom and realized how hard my parents worked to provide what we had.

When others were going out to eat, we were eating leftovers. Again. But I’m grateful because my childhood taught me to appreciate everything I have now.

Trending:
KJP Panics, Hangs Up in Middle of Interview When Reporter Shows He Isn't a Democratic Party Propagandist

Moms especially tend to beat themselves up. With the constant “mom shaming” that goes on across social media, our current culture would have mothers question whether their parenting is good enough.

Cassandra Lane of Sheridan, Arkansas, is one of those moms. On July 13 she posted a photo of her son’s hands.

The hands pictured in the photo are no class ring. The fingernails are dirty and Lane began to wonder if she had given her son, Zeke, everything he needed.

The story she tells in her caption is emotional and heartfelt. Lane tells of the day she took Zeke to get his senior photos taken.

When she noticed his dirty fingernails, Lane began to cry. “Earlier this week we went to get Zeke’s senior yearbook pictures,” she begins. “On the way, I noticed his hands. Working hands.”



Lane goes on to talk about the other kids waiting in line for photos. How they sported letterman jackets and class rings.

She began to compare herself to the other moms. After spending some time thinking about all she never gave Zeke, she apologized to him.

But it’s Zeke’s response that will encourage any mom who reads Lane’s post. “Why are you sorry?” Zeke said.

Related:
How'd They Get Away with This in Hollywood? Netflix's Hot New Show Highlights the Horrors of Communism

“Because you’ve taught me to work hard for things I want?” he went on. “Because I know the value of a dollar? Because I’m not going to think that I deserve to have everything I want?”



Lane ends her post with an encouragement for any mom who can relate to how she felt. “If you’re struggling with the parenting comparison game, just know that God gave you the babies you have because he wanted you … to be their mama. Not someone else.”

Powerful and inspiring words every mama who doubts herself ought to hear. Thanks for the encouragement today, Cassandra. I think I speak for all the moms out there when I say it was much needed.

Submit your story here, and subscribe to our best uplifting stories here.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Share
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.
Education
Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith




Conversation