Life before kids can be largely egocentric. Every milestone we achieve before having children typically serves ourselves and our own best interests. We are, essentially, living for ourselves. But when women have kids, something switches over. We stop living for ourselves and start living for our children. And while this switch is beautiful and purposeful, it’s not always easy. Sometimes it is downright hard, and our knees buckle from the weight of it. But this loss of identity and time of adjustment also paves the way for a new and greater sense of self.
Mother’s Day is Sunday and while the cards, special breakfasts and gifts are nice, it’s more for me a day that honors all the personal growth and shifting that occurs when you become a Mom. If you’ve lost yourself entirely since becoming a Mom, congratulations. You’re regenerating, evolving, expanding and shedding an old skin that no longer suits you.
This Mother’s Day weekend, take time to reflect not only on your own journey, but the journeys of all the strong women around you and those who have gone before you. Share the stories of the women in your family lineage. My mother got her name from the ship that brought her infant grandmother to this country from Poland – the Patricia. And though I never knew her, my grandpa’s mother supported them by opening their house to paying boarders after she became a single mom (she may have also sold bathtub gin, but that’s a story for a different day). Make stories now that your children will share with their children when they’re older (like the one about raising kids during a pandemic). Wear your motherhood identity with courage and honor, because raising the next generation is the greatest honor you’ll ever have.
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In honor of Mother’s Day, the Royalton Recorder asked followers of the North Royalton Parents Discuss It Facebook page to share what they enjoy most about being a mom. Here’s what they had to say.
“I am blessed to be the mom of four amazing children. They continue to amaze me every single day with their kindness, love and respect to others – they are the reason I was born.” -Jackie Miranda
“My favorite thing about being a Mom are the life lessons they teach me. They challenge me every day to be a better person. Seeing the world through their eyes is most rewarding.” -Vicki Filippelli Bontempo
“Motherhood completely changes you and takes you outside of yourself in the most gracious way. I’m blessed with a 3-year-old nonverbal autistic son and a 3-month-old little girl. The journey has taught me more than I ever imagined. I never dreamed that I would learn sign language or be able to understand most of my son’s communication without spoken words. We have grown so much together, and it makes me see life in such a different light. To watch my children begin to interact with each other and to witness their delight is amazing. I truly am grateful for every moment.” -Jen Wells
“I’m so blessed to be the step mom to two beautiful girls. They have changed my life in so many ways, and every day is an adventure. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” -Nicolle Cruse
“I love that being a mother is tough and amazing all at the same time. It’s pretty awesome.” -Amy Sonego
“Nothing in life could ever be more rewarding than being a Mom. Motherhood is an incredible journey filled with much love and happiness. And now, as a Grandmother, that’s the best.” -Jeannette Sacha
“Being a Mom is the most amazing blessing I’ve ever experienced. Both of my boys were NICU babies and have faced several challenges through the years. I love watching them overcome adversity and keep a kind heart while doing so. I love watching their faces light up with joy when they’re excited or proud of an accomplishment. It warms my heart when I see them growing into genuinely good young people by helping others, sharing and being kind. These boys keep me on my toes, but they fill my heart with joy.” -Kristen McNeil Kaspar
“My favorite thing about motherhood is learning and growing right along with my kids. The world feels new and exciting again when you’re seeing it through their eyes.” -Nikki Judson
“While many parents are so nostalgic about their child growing out of infancy and toddlerhood, I absolutely love seeing the person my daughter is becoming and do not miss those younger ages. I can’t wait until she’s an adult because I can see that she is someone who I would love to have as a friend someday.” -Kelly Bryan
“The best part of being a Mom is watching my kids discover the world with such excitement. It makes me cherish things that I may not notice or sometimes even take for granted.” -Kristen Evangelista
“Love being a ‘Boy Mom.’ Couldn’t imagine my life any other way. It’s challenging, fun, scary and amazing – and that can be all in one day!” -Diane Barilaro Sacha
“My favorite thing about being a Mom is that my kids show me all the good things about the world and people. They have saved me in so many ways. I love listening to them talk and seeing the world through their eyes. They are the best people I have ever met. I enjoy them even more as they grow up.” -Kristin Gardner
“Motherhood to me has been a wonderful chance to relive life through the eyes of my young children. The excitement and intrigue they have over anything and everything motivate me to give them every experience I can. They find joy in the simplest things and they are my daily reminder to slow down and enjoy the small moments. Because the small moments are the most important ones.” -Tracy Pesho
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer