How to love a child through the challenges of life

And I think of him when those really hard parenting dilemmas come my way — problems derived from inside and outside of the home — issues that make me want to beat my head against the wall or lower it in despair. I think of Kyle in those moments when I don't know what to do or what to say when I look into my children's troubled eyes.

That is when I see Kyle's face and remember I don't always have to have the answer. Because sometimes there is no clear-cut answer.

And I remember I don't always have to "fix" their troubled hearts. Because there will be times when I can't.

I think of Kyle and remember the power of presence. Because it's possible to say, "I won't let you go through this alone," without muttering a single word.

Thank you, Kyle, for revealing the key to loving a child through the challenges of life.

Sometimes our mere presence is enough.

Sometimes it is exactly what is needed to change a dismal situation into one of hope.

Read more from Rachel Macy Stafford on Hands Free Mama.