Today is day 12 of our 30 day Thankfulness challenge. As I stated yesterday I do not find it a challenge share things I am thankful for. Some of these things are small however I try not to minimize the difference they make in my life. Other things are huge and today is one of the huge things. So, today I am thankful for the love of my children. Children a sweet, innocent, unconditional, naïve and forgiving love. In the medical field I have seen children who have been abused and neglected in unimaginable ways. At the hands of parents and other "loved" ones. These children will defend their parents. Offer affection and love no matter what. The love of a child amazes me. As far as I know I've not ever been accused of abusing my children in anyway. This is not to say I've never made hundreds of parenting mistakes. And still do, daily. With each mistake, each mishap, and each unnecessary argument with one of my children. They never fail to love me. To offer a hug. To show affection even if it's with a note. Yes, I am one of these parents if I feel as though I am wrong will offer my apology and offer an explanation of how I could have handled the situation/incident differently. I have been told, "Don’t do that, you’re the parent they don't need your explanation".  They may not but I do. I don't raise my children the way my parents raised me. I believe children are deserving of the same unconditional love they offer. A love that says I don't care about your mistakes, big or small. I don't care who you love as long as they love the Lord and you. I don't care what you do for a living as long as you glorify God and enjoy what you do. I don't care where you live as long as you’re living a godly life. If you chose a life that I don't agree with I WILL NOT LOVE YOU LESS! I WILL NOT abandoned YOU! I will ALWAYS be here for you, by phone, by text, by email, by Facebook, by plane, by train, by automobile, day night or midafternoon. I am thankful for the love of my children. I am thankful one of the lessons in loving my children is I can relate to the love God has for me. There of course really not earthly comparison. But, if my love for them and their love for me is such a deep unconditional, sweet love. How deep is God's love for me? Another reason he says we must become like little children, even in love. Children are taught hate, they are born with the natural instinct to love. So, today I am thankful for the sweet, unconditional, forgiving, niave, innocent love. I pray that my children will hold on to that love. And I pray I continue to learn from this kind of love.