I always wanted to be a mom. From my earliest days, I imagined myself in that role by drawing pictures of my future children, homes, and the places where I imagined living. I also loved helping my mom take care of my little brothers and sister. In fact, for better or worse, I was often offering my "mothering" advice to my own mom from my little girl perspective. As life moved on my desire to be a mom morphed into a desire to teach too. I volunteered at the church nursery and babysat neighborhood children. Later I became a Big Sister, taught CCD, volunteered at a local school for developmentally delayed children, volunteered at Children's Hospital in Boston, and directed some of my undergraduate study projects towards parenting and education topics. I always loved children and felt a special magic when I was with children.
In time, I studied education, became a teacher, and not long after became a mother too. I remember the elation and angst I felt when I first knew I was pregnant. I had to remind myself daily that the large majority of healthy woman have healthy babies. I read the baby books religiously so that I was doing everything I could to assure a healthy as possible pregnancy and birth. My first son was born in the early evening--he was an almost ten-pound healthy baby boy who seemed to lumber into life. Rather than introduce him to life with a quiet, cozy home, we brought him to all kinds of events, probably too many events, during his first days. We took him to the Boston Marathon in his brand new carriage, a local parade, many parties, and to school to share with my class. Later we brought him to all of our favorite places--we loved and still love our first son so much. His slow and steady birth was our first inkling that this son would become the wise, reflective man that he is today.
About three-and-a-half years later, our second son arrived. This son arrived with a burst. In fact he popped out so fast that the doctor almost dropped him. His full-of-energy spirit mirrored his birth. He was quick to climb, explore, and run which led us to baby-proof the house quite quickly. Just as we did with our first son, we brought our second son everywhere and loved him with all our hearts. His bright spirit still shines in all he does.
After that, about six years later, our third son was born. As I always say, he was a dream that wouldn't go away. I was 41 when this son was born and he was born sunny side up and still has that positive, can-do attitude and smile today. He was embraced by his brothers and my husband and me. Together the five of us had many adventures.
Mostly as a mom, I loved discovering who my children were. I let them try all kinds of activities and watched what they gravitated too. Once my husband and I brought them to a dude ranch in Albuquerque. I found it interesting that none of them were begging to go back. While they enjoyed horseback riding through the beautiful, historic canyons, that wasn't a sport they craved. The same was true of skiing and snowboarding--they liked it, but they didn't love it. Biking, swimming, hiking, and playing sports like football topped their interest list. They also enjoyed legos, video games like Madden, unicycles, skateboards, pogo sticks, sleds, skates and so many adventure-related toys and activities.
As a mom and teacher, a quality education was also super important to me. I taught in a top-notch school district and was fortunate to be able to bring my own children to that system to study and learn. My children profited from the contribution of so many wonderful teachers, coaches, and families in that system. For that I am grateful. I enjoyed supporting their education as I could and I particularly enjoyed helping them find colleges that were good matches for who they were and their interests. Once in college, my husband and I enjoyed visiting them and enjoying their college communities, friends, and activities.
I mostly took a family first perspective as my children were growing up. The only things that got in the way of caring for my children were my job as a teacher and caring for my parents and extended family at times. I tried to balance my commitment to all three areas of life. I let my friendships slide a bit which I now regret, but I didn't have the foresight to revise my relationships rather than let them go at the time. I've since renewed some of those friendships from the past which I'm happy about.
Now my children are grown and embarking on their own lives which include loved ones, homes, jobs and more. I continue to enjoy being there for my sons and their loved ones when I have what they need and we enjoy good times together often.
I'm grateful that I was able to live out my dream to be a mom. There's nothing that's brought me more happiness than the love of and shared time with my family. Onward.
