About a year ago, my mom called to tell me about a writing contest given by a popular magazine - she had this crazy idea I might want to enter. The winning essay would be published on the magazine's blog. (Now, if the top award had been, say, a $1,000 shopping spree to a scrapbooking store, or a month's worth of catered meals, I may have been a bit more motivated!) I didn't end up writing anything for the contest, since it ended in 3 days, but I've thought about the topic ever since and found it quite intriguing. Contestants were to write 500 words or less on "what surprised you most about motherhood". Hmm . . . surprising how hard it is to narrow it down to one thing!
The fact is, there was very little about motherhood that I wasn't surprised by. . .
. . . how little sleep a person can survive on
. . . that three kids who came from the same parents can have such incredibly different personalities
. . . how many things in life really don't matter
. . . the amount of time I spend in the kitchen
. . . how addictive garage sales and thrift stores can be
. . . how many things I said my kids would never do, that they inevitably ended up doing (going out in public with dirty faces; running in the church building; crying loudly at Wal-Mart; whining; watching more than 7.5 minutes of TV per day; eating anything other than tofu and lentils, etc.)
. . . how quickly their moods can change
. . . how quickly my mood can change
. . . the amount of time I spend laughing out loud at their antics
. . . how much I love driving a mini-van
. . . how someone so sweet can create such a stench
. . . that Rach and Zekers remember so much about their Bible story every week at church
. . . the volume of noise generated by someone so small
. . . that after hearing the same CD 57 times, it is actually possible to tune it out completely
. . . the things that are overheard once and repeated - both good and not-so-good!
. . . how many conversations we have weekly about body parts - public and private (both the conversations and the body parts!)
. . . that something as simple as forgetting a ragged old blanket can turn the world upside-down
. . . how closely our kids watch everything we do and try to emulate it
. . . how hard, and how wonderful, it is to be so needed
. . . the number of strollers, big wheels, bikes, wagons and sports paraphernalia that can fit into one garage
. . . the amount of excitement generated by the word "park"
. . . that I now see nothing unusual about eating dinner with 20 stuffed animals & Barbies sitting on the table
. . . how forgiving children are
. . . how much fun it is to snuggle
. . . how much reading I can do without losing my voice
. . . the importance of "everyday moments"
. . . that on mother's day, the only thing I really care about is being with my husband and my kids - not having a break from them (I'll take a raincheck on the break, though!)
. . . the intangible rewards that are part of each day
. . . the terrifying responsibility that regularly drives me to my knees
Not as much an essay as a collection of thoughts, I guess. And I'm sure there are dozens I've left out - and many more surprises coming as the kids get older!
4 comments:
When Danny called me last night we were talking about how Mothers Day can be a sad time for some people.
The best Mothers Days are the ones I had when my kids were younger. There is nothing that compares to a homemade card or a ash tray made in art class (I guess they didn't notice I have never smoked)Back then they thought I was smart, funny, a good cook and like you said loved to snuggle. I felt needed. (I should mention that all changed when they became pre-teens)
When you become a Grandma, God gives you back some of those special moments through your grandchildren. For this I am so thankful.
Moo-In-Law
I used to think I'd want my kids to grow up and become independent as soon as possible, because I've always enjoyed other people's teenage kids. But you're right - this stage is way more precious than I ever thought it would be, and I wouldn't wish it away for anything (except maybe on a really bad day!)
I think Rachel's Sunday School teachers said they're making ash trays with the kids next week . . . we'll be sure she makes one for you. ;)
Wow, what an incredible list. It's great to be reminded of the great and funny aspects of motherhood.
You mentioned those PJ's...there is a funny story about those. I asked Lee to get Mckenna some pajamas once when he was in the US without me. He got those with bugs and lizards on them and I gave him a hard time about getting our girly girl boy pj's. Of course they ended up being her favorites and now they have been passed onto Knox!
That's hilarious! Every once in a while, Rachel likes to don Zeke's Spiderman PJ's (I got them at a garage sale, so they're a size 4 but he still wears them all the time) and wear them to bed. fortunately, he hasn't shown the same desire to wear her princess or Dora nightgowns . . .
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