Parenting is usually a topic couples discuss when planning for a family. However, it’s not normally a part of the conversation to talk about how each parent would handle the role of raising a child/children all alone if circumstances warranted. It’s especially hard if the child and the single parent are thrust into their roles without warning or time to prepare themselves for what’s to come.
Nic Nelson’s mom Barbara is blindsided by the loss of her husband and left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and that of her son. As I discussed in my previous blog post, it can’t be easy for a child to move forward after the loss of a parent. Fortunately for Nic, his mom is loving and caring and has continued to be a positive force in his life since the death of his dad, helping him adjust as best as can be expected considering the circumstances and the upheavals he’s gone through.
While working through all the challenges she faces from the loss of her husband, Nic’s mom tries very hard not to worry Nic over matters occurring in their lives that he shouldn’t have to face. Although we can assume it hasn’t been easy for her, from the beginning of her appearance in Nic Nelson and the Diamonds of Denmark, you can sense that Nic’s mom is a wonderful mixture of a loving, protective mother and a strong, yet fair, disciplinarian.
The rapport Barbara has with her son is very sensitive and real. It is warm and palpable throughout the story. She is obviously devoted to him and puts on a brave face when need be so that Nic can be exactly what he is — a child — without having to worry about taking care of his mom. At times it can be a challenge to not let Nic see her vulnerability, especially when difficulties arise, and she knows she has to be tough enough to see them both around and through what’s thrown in their path.
But she also realizes that there are a lot of lessons to be learned while a child is growing up, and Barbara isn’t afraid to chastise and punish Nic in situations where they’re warranted (in a fair way, of course). She is cool enough to joke with his friends and suggest playing paintball, yet no-nonsense enough to ground him when it’s warranted.
Still, the bond Nic and his mom share is very strong with many dimensions that come through when they both let their guards down long enough to be sensitive to each other’s needs in stressful and emotionally-charged situations. It is apparent that there is a deep love shared between them. And that love is felt all the way through Nic Nelson and the Diamonds of Denmark.