Promise, ©2010. KmBerggren ~ Message from the Artist: As I worked on this painting, the more it became about the mother protecting the older child, vs. protecting the baby or toddler: the more easily sheltered. Watching over the school age child as he goes out into the world. Beginning his school years; tucked into the day to day, 6-hours-a-day, 5-days-a-week schedule. He is removed from his family and his mama, vulnerable to all that is out there. When I watch my six year old sleep, I sometimes cry ~ wondering the thoughts that he thinks – he is so smart. I wonder if inside he is confused, wondering how I could have always been there, and then all of the sudden send him off for six hours a day. He is a bright star, a sensitive, emotional, talented and change-the-world kind of boy. What does “getting used to” the way-it-is mean? As our children start to see us less and less do they start to wonder more and more our priorities? Here is a promise I silently make to my sleeping and growing child: I promise to everyday look into your face ~ into your eyes ~ to read your story. To take each day 15 minutes at a time and never assume that all is well unless you tell me it is so. I promise to listen, I promise to share. I promise to be there for you as we discover your route into this world of possibilities.