Mother's Day Reflections

It is amazing how much we can change, while still being the same person. A long, long time ago–ok, more like 10 years ago–I was convinced that motherhood was not for me. I strongly believed that there was no way I’d ever become a mother. My childhood had been nowhere near normal. I didn’t have a very close relationship with my parents. So, I was convinced that I would be the world’s worst mother. I have always love children, but what did I know about properly raising kids? Ultimately, I couldn’t justify putting any child through that uncertainty.


Now those days seem like just a distant memory–almost like it was a lifetime ago. This Sunday will be my 8th Mother’s Day, and I’ll be eating up my two children’s attention and affection. They are now old enough to understand what Mother’s Day is, and they get thoroughly excited every time it comes around again. I’ve been getting showered with extra drawings, hugs, kisses, and I-love-you’s all week. It’s great to be a mom!

I know I’ll never be a perfect mother. I make mistakes and always will. But judging from my kids’ infectious laughter, frequent smiles, and affection even towards each other (at least most of the time), I must be doing something right. According to my 5-year-old daughter, I am “the bestest Mommy ever” and she is so thankful that I take such good care of her and her brother. Who knew I had it in me?

I can’t imagine my life without my children. They are such an enormous part of who I am today that I can’t fathom being me without them. I look back and realize that I was a frightened, scarred, and insecure girl 10 years ago. I had the sense to know that motherhood isn’t easy and shouldn’t be approached lightly. However, I failed to see all that I learned from my childhood and less-than-perfect relationship with my parents. All that happened in the past helped prepare me for the mother I am today because I was so determined not to repeat my own parents’ mistakes. I’m so relieved that I finally gave motherhood a chance, for it has changed my life forever!

Happy Mother’s Day to all my readers out there! If you are a mother, grandmother, or other special lady, I hope you have a relaxing day full of love and laughter. And for everyone else, don’t forget to spoil the women in your lives. You know your life wouldn’t be the same without them.

Mother's Day Mambo

My son and daughter are currently music maniacs.  If they aren’t asking for me to turn on the radio or CD player, they are singing, making their own music, or dancing.  They equate music with happiness and excitement.  If it’s sunny outside finally after a week of rain, let’s sing about it!  If we just watched an amazing new movie, let’s run around dancing to the music during the end credits!  If a special occasion is coming up, it won’t be complete with some music with loads of singing and dancing!

Their enthusiasm and energy are inexhaustible and make me laugh and smile each and every time.  I often wonder how on earth such happy and lively children came from me.  My family has often told me that I was a reserved, thoughtful, and serious child.  Of course, I had my hyper and excitable moments at times.  However, from a young baby, I was often content to simply sit quietly and study the world around me.  My late father used to tease me growing up that I was an old lady stuck in a child’s body.

Over the years, I have learned to live it up more and to act like a total goofball to have a good laugh.  But truthfully, most of what I’ve learned about the lighter side of life has come from my own children.  We have water battles, run races, dress up in funny costumes, and talk to each other in silly voices.  It is as though my inner child has finally escaped and now has room to run free!

My children challenge me all the time to break out of my comfort zone and do things completely out of character for my reserved self.  For example, my daughter (almost 5) has decided I must dance to celebrate Mother‘s Day this weekend.  She explained to me yesterday that I am, quote, “the best mommy ever so [I] need to dance!”

I told her I don’t really know how to dance, but she immediately insisted that everyone knows how to dance.  I only have to listen to the music and move.  My own dance will just happen.  She also added that I have to do my Mother’s Day dance with her and in front of others.  (What’s the use of dancing if not to share it with others?)

The thought of dancing with other people in the room mortifies me!  In fact, besides a little swaying to the music, I haven’t attempted to dance in over a decade.  Yet, my little princess is set on having our little mother/daughter dance session.  And who am I to disprove her Best-Mommy-Ever title?  So, here goes nothing . . . wish me luck because this mama is off to find her inner rhythm this weekend!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, wives, and special women out there!