My submission to The Mother Letter Project:
Dear Mother~
About 2 years ago my children were 1 and 3. My life was a whirlwind. I fluctuated between changing diapers and potty training. I was drowning in a sea of dirty laundry. The greatest joy of my day was naptime…theirs, not my own…and I counted down the hours until 1:00 like a child waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve.
“What has happened to me?†I wondered. I vaguely recalled the woman before my first child was born. You know, the one who could jump up and go to the mall at a moment’s notice. The girl who never thought about nutritious meals or cared that vaccinations contained mercury. That same person could go weeks without picking anything up off her kitchen floor and even longer without someone asking her to refill their drink…27,000 times a day!
I admit I had become bitter. But one morning, two and a half years ago, all that changed during a simple trip to the grocery store.
As I loaded my son into the front of the cart I reminded my daughter once again of the rules. “No touching, no running, no begging, and stay where I can see you,†I barked.
Suddenly I was aware of someone standing beside me. I turned and saw a frail, elderly woman watching me. I smiled but didn’t leave right away. Her gaze was holding mine. Finally she said the words I have never forgotten. “These are the best days of your lifeâ€.
The longing in her voice led me to believe that if she could have scooped my babies up into her arms she may have run right out of the store with them. Oh how she missed this time in her life.
For weeks her words ran through my head. Was she right? All this time I had been thinking my best years were behind me. And maybe, just maybe when I got these children in school I could enjoy some of my time again. The older they got, the more independent they’d become, and eventually I could get back to the best years of my life.
After some serious soul searching I realized I was not only selfishly wishing my kids childhoods away, I was wasting my best years as well.
I thank God for sending me an angel that day. I firmly believe she was there for no other reason except to grab my attention. And that she did! I have never looked at motherhood in the same way. For all its challenges and difficulties, it is without a doubt the most rewarding, wonderful job that’s ever been entrusted to me. How sad to think I may have missed the best years of my life.
Blessings,
8 Comments
Okay…I’m crying…That was just beautiful. :)
Stephanie can hand me her hankie when she’s done crying!!! Each time I “lose it” with my kids I have that same thought run through my head, “Stop Jennifer, these are the best days of your life”. Amen Jodi and thanks for the reminder!!!
Oh girl. I sure hear you. I too have walked this road. Thanks for being real.
You are such a blessing,
Much love,
Angela
OH, and it will be gone before you turn around. My “children” have turned into the most amazing men and I thank God for every day I’ve had them. I’m so glad you are realizing it while they are so young.
Awesome story and a perfect time to share and for me to read! Thanks for that Jodi, I truly needed that!
You will not believe this but I got up this morning and was overwhelmed with the fact that in 8 short months all my kids will be in school.
I was crying thinking about it and crying thinking about how can I help them get along better and have more “fun” as a Mom and enjoy this time. Then I read this! That was an angel-you are right. Saturday I was eating lunch with Jenna and an
elderly lady walked up to me and said “I bet she’s great company for you”. She is, they all are! I just need to recognize it more.
Great post, Jodi. This should be published.
So I’ve now had a good cry! Your letter got me started – but then I went to the blog for the Mother Letter Project. What a neat idea that is! I’m definitely going to submit my copy. Thanks for sharing!
I’m crying too. I’m there now, you know, in the overwhelmed stage. Thank you.