What does it mean to be a mother? Before I became a mother I would have answered that question very differently. I am certain that 10, 20, and 50 years from now I will continue to answer it differently, because the roll of a mother is ever evolving throughout the life of both mother and child. As we approach Mother’s Day weekend, I began to reflect on my mother and all that she has done and means to me. The words that come to mind (yes I am already choking back tears) are: teacher, cheerleader, unconditional LOVE, nurturer, selfless, friend, shoulder to cry on, ear to vent to, biggest fan, truth teller, difficult question asker, never miss an event or birthday, genuine, passionate, faithful, hard-working, strong, determined, intelligent, articulate, savvy, beautiful, and AMAZING! My mom made me the woman that I am today through her example and because she was willing to be my mother first and then later my friend.
There are days as a mother when I feel sappy and find myself constantly thinking what amazing children I have, and how much I hope I remember these moments. However, the majority of the time I am wrapped up in the craziness of our life, rushing from here to there, don’t do that, pick up this, don’t make me ask you again… and if I remember even once or twice in a day to be thankful and reflect on the joy of my children I am doing pretty good. I sometimes get frustrated with myself that I am not more patient with my children or that I don’t find more time for those “Awww” moments. But then I remember that motherhood is made up of a whole bunch of chaos and millions of tiny “awwww” moments, and that I need to give myself a break. After all, my kids probably love me most for things like letting them help plant some seeds in the garden, taking them out to see the first tomato, helping them cut their own strawberries for snack, reading them the same book over and over and over again, singing with them loud and proud in the car with the windows down, or wrapping them in a towel after bath and singing “rock-a-bye baby” no matter how big they get. They probably won’t remember losing their art supplies for the day because they lied about writing on the wall, or not getting to watch an episode of Dinosaur Train because they spoke disrespectfully, but I am certain that those moments are just as important or maybe more important than the “awww” moments. Motherhood is by far the most challenging work I have encountered, but I have also never found anything that is nearly as rewarding. As I go in to check on my kids each night before I go to bed, I am reminded how blessed and thankful I am that God gave me the opportunity to turn these wonderful little people into strong, independent adults that will make this world a better place.
So, I am going to keep working on my patience and keep doing the best I can each and every day. I hope that William and Grayson will someday reflect back on their mother and have to choke back tears as they remember all of the big and little moments that make them love and appreciate her so much.
“God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers”
- Jewish Proverb
It may be Mother's Day, but I don't want to forget to thank my wonderful husband Greg; if not for him I would not be the very happy and generally sane mother that I am today. When I seem to have lost every ounce of patience, he comes in with fresh patience and sweeps the kids out the door for a game of baseball or a jump on the trampoline. A few quiet moments later I can go back to being the Mommy that I want to be.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Aimee
