I will be the first to admit that in the past I have stood in plenty of lines rolling my eyes thinking God, lady. Can’t you do this some other time? I could have been through this line 4 times already. You’ve got all day to run your stupid errands and I’m on a 30 minute lunch break. Don’t even think about denying that you haven’t done it. We’ve all been there. We’ve all wondered what those mothers do and judged them accordingly. Then, some of us had kids.
I want to you close your eyes (well, keep one eye cracked so you can read the next few lines) and think back. Back to a time before you had children. Can you remember that far back? Can you remember a time of deadlines and paychecks and meetings and real world jobs? Beds that get slept in for longer than 3 hour stretches? Saturday mornings that involved sleeping and only sleeping at 6:30am? I have a vague recollection of life BC (Before Children). Heck, some of you are still there.
While catching up on one of my favorite bloggers, I came across a great post today. I think it applies to mothers everywhere, not only SAHM’s. When I’m on break I’m a SAHM. I don’t do anything but focus on Avelyn. When I’m in school I have to split my time between her and school and work/clinical. Trust me, neither situation is easier than the other and they both demand the same amount of time. For me personally, the only difference is the amount of guilt involved.
Well, as I was reading this article from a post, my mind was racing. I was getting all up on my high horse wanting to punch Ms. Child-Free from Tacoma, WA in the kisser and tell her to stick it where the sun don’t shine. I was cheering on Newspaper Lady screaming Yes! Yes! You tell her Newspaper Lady! I had so many emotions I didn’t know what to do. Should I email it to all my mom friends? Should I post it to Facebook? Nah, I will blog it of course!
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I just loved Newspaper Lady’s description of a mother’s life. Any mother’s life. Work inside or outside the home, it doesn’t matter. When you become a mother your entire life changes. Justlikethat. And nobody, nobody, but another mother, can ever understand that change.
I guess I said all that to say this – let’s all put down our Hammer o’ Judgment. Next time you feel compelled to ask yourself what in the world your mom friends could possibly do with all that “free time” just take a deep breath… and then reach alllllllll the way around and kick yourself in the ass. Kidding. Just remember that we’re all different. We are (mostly) all working hard at whatever we’ve chosen to do no matter what or where that takes place. I have never met anyone who appreciates assumptions being made about their life. That being said I will be so bold as to assume you don’t appreciate that either.
Now, with all of that being said, isn’t my Hobo and her guardian angel amazing?
75 days to Mommas graduation!
Amen, amen, amen! I'm stealing this article from you and putting it on my blog too. I just couldn't have said it better myself. :)
ReplyDeleteHobo baby rocks.
I had to write that lady and suggest: Okay, I admit I am a mother... a grown up grandma kind of mother. Yes, I raised 3 kids on my own, after my husband died at age 38. I am now blessedly a grandmother. I remember some same like friends who didn't get me. I highly suggest the one thing that can make this woman understand. Let her keep baby overnight for a whole weekend. When mommy returns on Sunday afternoon, cause we know she will not be lethargic by Sunday night, we look well rested, a new haircut, manicure and ready for play day again with baby. "Friend" is not allowed to call unless she needs to take baby to the ER. "Friend" must rely on her own "Grown up" abilities and reasoning to keep baby happy and safe. Oh yes, and one more thing, she has to run her usual customary errands with baby in tow. Hence, lesson learned and mouth shut!
ReplyDeleteShelley Echtle, Doting grandma of Baby Avelyn and Smart Daughter who posted your news clipping