Mothering

Last night David and I were talking as we ventured down the highway. I commented that it bothered me when I continually see and hear comments from mothers regarding wanting "me" time away from their children. I also commented that during Addi's 105 day headache, hospitalizations, doctors visits too numerous to count, pharmacy trips galore, and listening to the poor child moan and groan in pain for hours and days on end, I never once heard Kim say anything about needing "me" time. Now believe me, there were times she called me crying, but not because she wanted to go to the mall, but because she could not do anything for her child and she needed her own mother. Kim knows how to be a mother, I am proud to say. Katie is also a great mother. She takes such good care of Hannah and Jaiden and she has their best interest at heart. She has a wonderful mother herself, and I know that Connie has always put her children as a priority, and what a great example that was for Katie. What makes someone a good mother...perhaps they learn best when they have someone who has loved them and cared for them above all else. I had a mother like that. Our needs were always her priority and because of that, I think my sister and myself have done okay in the mothering department. While I know I have made my share of mistakes, I hope that I have not only been a good mother, but that I have mothered...if that makes sense. Believe me, when the kids are grown and gone, you will never remember the mall trips, manicures, shopping, dining out, being "alone"- but you will remember the time you spent mothering. Don't get me wrong- there are times we all need a break, even from our own kids, but my fear is we have a generation of parents who want a continual break. We live in a selfish world...and remember, selfishness begets sin! It ain't about me anymore once you become a parent...it is about that little one that you brought into the world, even if it was not planned. So, I guess I am saying that being a good mother is the hardest job you will ever have and you only get one chance to be successful!