Guidance, Unconditional Love, Friendship... What Does Motherhood Mean? .....
Jun 27 '03
The Bottom Line Embrace the 'Motherhood' role and realize the worth.
~*~ In celebration of three years at epinions.com, I decided to take the opportunity to share about a job that is very important to me, Motherhood. ~*~
Becoming a Mom was one of my earliest dreams. But prior to being a Mother, at no point did I truly realize the 'awe' involved with the role. It is the most rewarding, yet exhausting job that I have ever tackled. There have been more emotions experienced in this job than any prior. Please don't confuse that statement with regret, for there is no way that I would wish this position away.
I Am Because She Is
Although I always loved her, it took me becoming a Mother to truly appreciate my Mom. It embarrasses me to recollect how judgmental I was at times, and how hard - at times - I made her job. I now realize the degree of sacrifices she made, how dramatically she felt our pains, the degree to which she felt our joys, and how incredibly she celebrated our every milestone. No jester can ever reflect the level of my immense appreciation for her. The sweat, tears, and love that she put toward raising my Sister and I, was --and still is-- immense. There were hard times and certainly those moments that I placed judgement. However when all is said and done, I know that she did the best job that she could, and I hope to do the same for my children. I love her and I am ever so thankful for her!
Excitement
Remembering back to my youth, I recollect sessions of doll play and the dreams of becoming a Mom. These dreams followed me through high school, and although I made monetary career choices, the job that I most anticipated was Motherhood. This wasn't a position that I rushed, and after marrying my high school sweetheart, we knew that it would happen in the future. There were plans to make, and goals to achieve prior to starting our family. When we felt that the time was appropriate, I quickly conceived our first daughter. I remember that Christmas, and still have the rocking chair that he gave me on Christmas Eve. The following eight months held many rejoiced moments, the ultrasound, the first noticeable kicks by babe, the childbirth classes, and finally eight months later Chelsea was born. We were awestruck at the precious bundle we had been blessed with. I was now a Mom! And we again rejoiced when Marisa was born, four and a half years later.
It's Not Easy
Motherhood differs greatly from doll play. Certainly you can dress your children up, at least for the first few chapters of their lives, but the similarity stops there. These little beings are literally a hand and a heart full of work. There are sleepless nights; anxious moments of helping them to battle illnesses, frustrations with regard to the financial strains, and emotional tug-o-wars. You are literally living a roller coaster range of emotions. I despise the moments in which my kids are ill; wishing it was I rather than they. Seeing my children 'get hurt' by life happenstance sears my heart. Gosh I wish I could protect them from all disappointment, but that would be doing them a disservice. Thankfully the positive moments outweigh the emotional strains. For me, initially their little coos, followed later by glimpses upon their peaceful sleeping bliss, reenergize my Mommy meter.
Sacrifices
At times I have a curious amazement with regard to the level of sacrifices that one can endure yet refrain from regret. Truly… daily life changed when children embarked into the home. The types of sacrifices have varied. Whether it be sleep deprivation, to cancellations of extracurricular events, to skipped vacations, or relinquishing of wanted expenditures, I refuse to allow the hiccups of happenstance rob the joy of Motherhood.
No Battle Too Big
It was after becoming a Mother that I realized the true meaning of Fight-or-Flight. To date, there is no battle that I wouldn't take on, for the best interest of my children. Yes they need to discover life, experience disappointment, and work certain things out on their own. It has, at times, been challenging to establish the line of when to get involved or not. But if danger, manipulation, or evil acts are unjustly served to them, you bet I will become their biggest advocate.
Partnering
The amounts of partnerships that I maintain within the parental role are tremendous. These partnerships are crucial with regard to my role as Mom. Their Father, Grandparents, and other Relatives are in positions to support me and assist me toward being a successful Mom. I appreciate each of them! Essentially most people that cross paths with my kids, especially if they are in leadership roles, are a partner of some sort. Early into their educational ventures, I embraced the opportunity to partner with their teachers, allowing the instructors insight toward the learning styles and personality of each child. Additionally all of the partnerships offer me assistance and allow me to glean more knowledge about my daughters.
Joy!
No matter how challenging Motherhood moments might become, I know that the phase will pass, and that joyful moments will reappear. I remember the 'firsts' that each daughter has experienced, not necessarily the dates *grin*, and continue to marvel at the accomplishments they make. There is joy within observing them tackle challenges as well. Additionally there is an abundance of joy experienced via their showering of love toward me, and their displays of appreciation. Oh and those pictures they've drawn, the flowers they've given me, songs they've sang, skits they've made up, and so much more. The times they've realized a wrongdoing, and apologized, matter greatly to me. There is something magical about those dimple smiles they pass my way. All things wrong wash away, if only for a moment, but what joy-filled moments those are!
Closing Sentiments
Becoming a Mother allowed me to glean more understanding of the trials and tribulations that my Mom has experienced. Motherhood involves providing guidance, friendship, unconditional love, and so much more to my children. It is the most important job that I'll ever have and I vow to do my best. Much has happened over the course of raising my two daughters, yet one crucial factor prevails, I love them with all my being and celebrate the opportunity to be their Mom!
©2003 Lisa_J
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Epinions.com ID:
Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
Reviews written: 1010
Trusted by: 668 members
About Me:
Mom of two wonderfully spirited daughters. Childcare Director. Spectator fan of dance.
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