Tank Filling
January 20, 2010 at 9:57 pm , by Emily
Many years ago, I sat with my mother on a day she was feeling deflated, uninspired, drained of motivation and energy. She said to a teenage version of myself that she needed her tank filled. All I knew to do in that moment was to give her a hug. Then we sat and talked about nothing and everything. She cried. I hugged her again. We ate peanut butter on saltines. I didn’t know it when the exchange started, but at the end of that day, I was more aware of myself and how filling someone else’s tank could also fill mine.
Today, I was that mother. The empty one. The one feeling low, uninspired, unaccomplished, unmotivated. I needed my tank filled. The only difference today from that day many years ago with my mother was that I didn’t have a mature child to turn to who could offer what I needed. I did have a 2 year old and a 5 year old though. And I thought maybe, that if I filled their tanks, mine would end up filled too.
A sunny day to play outside, some fresh Florida air, a swing set was all we needed.
Hubby had called before leaving work and asked if I needed anything on his way home. I said I just needed a hug when he got here. He showed up at the door with a potted rose bush and dessert. Simple things to feed the soul. Simple things that filled all of our tanks.
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by Lisa
On January 20, 2010 at 10:14 pm
so sweet. i am hoping you are feeling better and that tomorrow is a brighter day for you.
love you!
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by Kelli
On January 20, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Glad your day ended on a joyful note!!!
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by Denise
On January 20, 2010 at 10:36 pm
i’m so glad you got your tank filled up. i’m lucky if my husband fills my gas tank. j/k – kinda : )
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by the BLAH BLAH BLAHger
On January 20, 2010 at 11:02 pm
So sweet! Love these simple gestures that mean the world!!!
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by heidi @wonder w oman wannabe
On January 20, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Awe, love that!
The other day, my hubs just ‘knew’ I needed some down time so he promptly gathered the boys up and took them to the local book store for an hour or so, and then called me on their way home to let me know he was picking up dinner.
what a prince!
And now you’ll have a rose bush to remember your sweeties sweetness too!
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by Mrs. Money
On January 21, 2010 at 7:03 am
((HUGS))
I know those days too.
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by Nancy
On January 21, 2010 at 8:42 am
This is the second post about spending time with the kids and how it turns your frown upside down. Wow… God has really led me this morning. My gas light is on empty right now and I have become a shrew. No fun for anyone. Thank you. thank you. thank you. for your beautiful post. I adore your blog and find it so inspiring. This one really is it for me. grateful…..
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by Nancy
On January 21, 2010 at 9:12 am
One more thing.. I put a link to your post because it really gave me a kick in the rear this morning.
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by Sarah@Clover Lane
On January 21, 2010 at 9:52 am
We must have been feeling the same way this week? My post is different but along the same lines…sometimes what you think you need is not the answer…and diving right, spending time being present, is. Loved this post!
.-= Sarah@Clover Lane´s last blog ..Playing =-.
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by Summer
On January 21, 2010 at 10:27 am
I’m stopping by from Nancy’s blog. Your post was very touching and thought provoking. I have two little ones, ages 3 and 5. I’m in that spot too much. I’m embarrased to admit, I’ve never thought of filling their tanks to fill mine! I have a personal policy of doing that with my husband (when I need a break and some validation, I give it to him and it almost always flows right back to me). I’m going to try this… today! Thank you!
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by Flower Patch Farmgirl
On January 21, 2010 at 11:13 am
Just what I needed to hear on this blustery day! Isn’t that always how it goes? We get by giving. Thanks for the reminder.
.-= Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last blog ..Eats and a Rant =-.
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by Lisa
On January 21, 2010 at 11:33 am
Emily–your posts often help fill my tank, just by reading your honest thoughts that are often so similar to my own. Enjoy your rose!!
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by Amy
On January 21, 2010 at 1:30 pm
This post was so beautiful, Emily, as are your pictures. I know what you mean. My tank has felt empty these past few months and maybe I fill a family member’s, I can get that tank filled again
Can’t wait to meet you in a couple of weeks- hurray!!
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by Amanda @ This Is Mimi Leigh
On January 21, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Wonderful thoughts. I think it’s wonderful that your husband called to ask if you needed anything! Mine does remember to do that, since I’m stuck at home after 7pm bedtime, and it always means a lot to me that he thinks of me and what type of day I may have had.
What a blessing!
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by edie
On January 23, 2010 at 7:06 am
Just the sweetest little story ever!
.-= edie´s last blog ..a little spring sewing =-.
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by living with lindsay
On January 24, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Y’all are so beautiful.
.-= living with lindsay´s last blog ..To Stencil or Not To Stencil =-.
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by melissa @ the inspired room
On January 26, 2010 at 11:23 am
Sweet post. You always have such a precious way of sharing a message!
.-= melissa @ the inspired room´s last blog ..Before & Afters: Going from neutral to color — layer by layer =-.
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