Friday, May 6, 2011

I Try

I have a little group of friends, all of us mothers.  A few of us are first-time moms with babies under the age of one.  Several of these friends I have never met.  We are friends of friends of friends who have joined together and communicate through a special blog.  Discussions range from books to relationships to recipes.  And always discussions about our children.

The most recent discussion began with one friend making the comment that we all focus on our individual faults, so she wanted each of us to tell the group what makes us a good mom.  Hhhhhmmmm.....I was completely stumped.  It took me over 24 hours to be able to respond.  I honestly couldn't think of anything. What do I do that would make me a good mom that any other mom doesn't already do?  There is nothing I can think of that would make me stand out.

There have only been a few meals in the past eleven months that I have eaten that were warm and undisturbed.  I've had at least 9+ months of waking up in the night.  Rather than run errands, I try to make a point of being home for nap time.  Nap time....that's a whole blog to itself.  I would much rather shop for Sadie than myself.  I sit here with clothes covered in who knows what.  I cook, I make a mess in the kitchen, I try to clean the kitchen, I give baths, change clothes, change diapers, sit on the floor and play.  But every mom out there does these things as well.

Sadie "made" me a card at school yesterday.  Inside there was a little paper glued to the page with MOTHER as an acronym.  It says that mothers are models.  No, I'm not that (not a supermodel (far from it) and not a model for others).  Mothers are organizers.  Nope, not that either.  Definitely not that, as I've been reminded more than once.  Teacher....I can say yes to this one.  Helper....that's all I do every day.  Expert....no again.  Rescuer....??  I wish someone would rescue me sometimes.

But you know what?  I try.  I really do.  I try to do my best at being a mom.  I know I don't succeed each day.  I know I haven't succeeded today, that's for sure.  I'm trying to teach Sadie about the importance of God and family.  I try to show her love every minute, even when she's clinging to my leg and crying.  I try.

So, to all of you moms out there who are trying, Happy Mother's Day!  I pray that you feel loved and appreciated this weekend.

3 comments:

Erin said...

I think most days all we can do is try. Some days go well, and some not so much, sadly our charges are not easily controlled and don't always read the to do list for the day. I think trying and love is all they really ask of us...or maybe just love...that could be a whole other topic.

Very nice post and well written. Happy Mother's Day to you too!

Elizabeth said...

This is my favorite post you've ever written. I agree- all that we can do is try and love our kids as much as we can. You are an incredible mom to Sadie- Happy Mother's Day!

Sarah said...

It's that trying that makes you a wonderful mom! Happy Mother's Day!