It’s that time of year again. The time when we celebrate the
wonderful Mothers, Grandmothers, and otherwise influential women in our lives. This upcoming Sunday is the one day a year when everyone feels compelled to salute their Mom. In my opinion, it should be the day we bust out birthday cake in pajamas and then all other days we say, "I love you, Mommy." But that's just me. You better have a gift and/or card already on the way.
Being a Mother, not just a mom, is the hardest job any woman can possibly work.
We don’t get recognition but once a year (if that). You don’t get paid for all
the long hours, lack of sleep, hazardous spills, and crazy hair days. To all
you women who have scared the UPS delivery guy by answering the door in your
pajamas and hair that looks like you stuck your finger in a socket… I salute
you! Been there, done that, and laughed at the look on their faces. Even when I
was embarrassed to realize I had no bra on, I still laughed.
Your job as a Mother starts from conception. You will
probably puke your guts up, outgrow everything you own (permanently), and in
some cases gain scars that will never go away. But you will gain an experience
that makes everything worth it in the end. The first time you hold that
precious life in your arms, the life you made, you will be changed.
Then you get home and are tested to the utmost limits of
your sanity. Indeed, you might even have breakdowns – mentally and physically.
Hundreds of diaper changing, feedings every two hours, sleepless nights, cold
meals (if you can stay awake to eat at all), and laundry every day. As they
grow, your job doesn’t really get easier. Sure, you get a little more sleep
finally. You can wash less clothes after age two. But now you have to put on
the running shoes because they will NOT stand still no matter what you say or
do. They test their own limits. What can they get away with? How far can they
push you, before you throw your hands in the air and say, “I’m done!” They are
like little sponges. So inquisitive. Curiosity is how they learn and grow. And
then questions start. “Where do babies come from?” “Why is you pee-pee
different than mine?” “Why is daddy so hairy?” Or even better, be walking
through Walmart and pass the camouflage bras with your little boy. Chances are
good that he will yell, “Look mom! Camouflage boobies!” They are so good at coming
up with stuff like this. My mother as a child had it all figured out. She said,
“Little girls play with each other. Little boys play with themselves.”
Even through the harder years, it’s worth it. If you do a
good job as a parent, as a mother in particular, you will see the fruits of
your efforts. And they last a lifetime. The love that never ends, that
surpasses death, engulfs you. That child will always be your baby no matter
what they do or how they grow. They will always run to you when they need
nurturing and comfort. As they grow older, they will finally seek and possibly
follow your advice. Some later than others… The closer a bond you have with
them growing up, the closer they will be to you as they age.
The women who have my utmost respect and love are few, but
completely my heroes.
My Mother. She has and always be the one I seek until death
do us part. We might not see eye-to-eye on everything, but there is a respect
that I will have forever. She’s given up everything for me. Her dream of being
a nurse, her perfect model body, and on some days I think even her sanity. When
I feel like I’m failing, she’s there giving me advice and telling me she’s
proud of me still.
My Nana. This woman has endured more than your average single
mom. She has worked harder than a man, been in beauty pageants, raised a son
alone, took care of a mother that was bitter to the core, traveled the world,
and is now struggling with a body that no longer works like her mind. I can
only hope I’m half the lady she is.
Nana S. W. (You know who are) I’m not related to this one by
blood, but by a bond stronger than blood. She started out as a pen-pal and now
has become better than a grandmother to me. She will tell it to me straight,
even if I won’t listen or don’t want to hear it. She’s had her hard life. As a
woman on the police force, who was in an accident that cost her a leg and
started her on the path on single motherhood, she has experienced more than I
could possibly handle. But her wisdom has been there when I needed it.
Ava M. She was named my godmother, but has been more like
family from the day I was born. I would do anything for her. Her life has so
many amazing stories that built her. She may as well be another adopted grandmother
in my life.
Sue L. has been my mentor and a great example of what a
strong woman is since I was a volunteer in her US Naval Sea Cadet Corps. She
has patience, strength, dedication and a whole lotta compassion for children.
I know I have a long road ahead of me. Especially as a
single mother of three. I won’t give up. I won’t forget what I’ve learned. And
I’ll be the best Mother I can! Definitely raising my kids to be future nerds
with pride.
Kudos to those who are making the most of their time and raising an
awesome future generation, with or without help!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!