Monday, April 2, 2012

Solid As A Rock

As a Mom, we wear many hats. We are everything to our husband and our kids. They count on us for everything and I count on my ability to almost be able to keep it together in every situation that they need me. But am I really a rock that keeps my family together?

This wasn't a job that I got a description for in the paper. I never circled it and got excited about what my salary was going to be. I never had an interview and was told what my responsibilities were going to be. When I watched movies or TV dramas motherhood looked so simple. The mothers managed to be put together and beautiful and their houses were spotless. They were able to come and go as they pleased. They were able to be at every sporting event in their children's lives. Even my mom's job seemed simple when I was young. What was it that she did? We were playing in the back yard and as far as I knew she made us breakfast lunch and dinner, right? Well the answer is wrong!

I don't think, as a mom, we let anyone no what our job entails. It is like a secret society and when we see another mother we know that they are in the same boat no matter how their situation differs from ours. As I said above, I have no job description or list of responsibilities. I had no formal job training before I had my kids so I wing it everyday. Everyday can bring a new challenge to make us question our strength!

With the kind of year my family has had, I am finding that I do have that strength of a rock. That does not mean that I do not have weak moments and that I don't have a few tears trickling down my face before I go to sleep at night. But, for the most part I keep my composure. Why do I keep it? Well, if I don't my family will for sure fall apart.

This all started 10 years ago when I had my daughter. I was in my early 20's. I was not married yet and was scared as hell of what was happening to me. I was miles and miles from my family, I am talking plane ride miles! But yet managed to get through it. Three months after my daughter was born I found myself yet again pregnant with my son and still no ring on my finger. People thought I was crazy, and well I have to say I probably was but this was the hand that I was dealt and I was going to do the best I could with what I had. This alone was making me a stronger mother and I didn't even realize it. After 9 years since my last child we welcomed a new son into our family. Again, bringing new challenges into our family.

So for the last 10 years I have been raising my kids, and yes I did get the ring and the marriage 7 years ago! But we have had our fair share of ups and downs. A lot of them were down but we always managed to dig our way back out and see the light. I find that when we are having those dreaded down swings I am at my strongest. My problems cannot be my children's problems. They are kids and deserve to be kids. They shouldn't be worried about finances, houses, and parents problems. They should not be worried about anything other than doing good in school and playing with their friends.

I have a new found respect for my mom. I realize everyday that she was not just making my meals everyday! That everyday, added to the list of jobs she already had, there was at least 1 new job title added to the list. My list seems so grow and grow. Everyday I am a doctor or a nurse, a teacher or librarian, a therapist and a playmate. This is my small list. There are so many more I could add. But, if you are a mom you know all the work I do and I know all the work you do!

Stay Solid Moms!