This morning as I scrolled quickly through my Facebook newsfeed while guzzling lukewarm coffee I came across a post from a harried mom. She described the reality of fleeting time, quickly growing children, and constant responsibility consuming more of her energy than she desired it to.
You’re not alone, Momma, I thought.
Then I thought of it no more. I didn’t have time to think; I was too busy.
I hurried through a bath for me, and a bath for the kids.
I quickly fed all the empty bellies. Doggy included.
I rushed through a homeschool lesson, something I didn’t like to do, but I felt helpless to do otherwise.
A full plate, a full day, a full to-do list. That’s what I had. I prayed, Lord, help me manage my time effectively today. Oh, and not yell at the children. Too much.
Yet we still raced out of the house, running late. I suppose that’s the only way we know how to run. I had to turn around for a forgotten, yet detrimental item, and in my haste to make up time I got pulled over for speeding.
The library books were overdue, and on the table by the back door they still sat.
After the first stop I realized I had to turn back around, a second time, to retrieve another forgotten item. And for the billionth time just today I felt like a brain dead loser.
You’re not alone, Momma.
You’re not alone in forgetting the important things.
You’re not alone in running late.
You’re not alone in your messy kitchen, complete with a sink full of dishes, and a terribly sticky floor.
You’re not alone in a feeling of defeat, one where your to-do list looms and errands are never-ending.
You’re not alone in your disbelief that your children get taller every day, or that they’ve outgrown their shoes again.
You’re not alone in your feelings of self-loathing for losing your patience and yelling too long.
You’re not alone in your fatigue, your frustrations, and especially not your depression or certainty that you’re messing up royally.
You’re not alone in that basket of laundry that never gets done, or the stack of projects you desire to do, but never seem to complete. My Pinterest board remains full and untouched also.
Today I dropped one child off with my husband, and I took the older one along as I rushed to complete some errands that simply couldn’t wait. It seemed like a horrible, busy day of tasks to me, but as I walked hurriedly through the parking lot with my child she stated, “I love spending time with you, Mom!”
She was seeing more than simply what we had to get done. She was able to see what we were accomplishing. We were spending time together. It didn’t have to be something painstakingly planned or Pinterest-put-together. It just had to be us.
You’re not alone, Momma.
You’re not alone in your struggles, you’re not alone in life. To someone you’re loved, you’re a hero, and you have it all together.
It’s not easy being a super mom, but to your children you are indeed pretty super. Full sink, dirty floor, messy hair and all. They don’t mind turning around to go back home for something forgotten as long as it’s with you.
Time does go by quickly, about that I have no doubt. Children grow taller, laundry doesn’t end, and I’m always adding more to my list of things to do. The truth is we’re all just struggling to get by some days. But the important part is to remember to also enjoy it along the way.
Plus it helps to be reminded that you’re not alone in all this. You’re not alone at all.
Lori Dipasquale says
I’m 56 , today I took my 39 year old son to work,66 mes round trip, went to the court house payed his child support for him, his money, went back picked him up , yes he waited for me to get there, got back home and he left his ban at the job site with his tools in, yes I returned to get it another 66 miles,. Do you know how many times I was told how much he loved me how lucky he was to have a mom like me, I can’t count . All I can say is his brother and father are in heaven and when we all meet again we can laugh together about my day , today 10-7-2015, a day I’ll always remember . I’m lucky to have a son that needed me today. Love you michael
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Denise says
Awww.. He is one lucky young man. Bless you for all you do for him
Britney says
Needed this! Thanks for tagging me so I would take the time to read it!??
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Glad you enjoyed.
Denise says
Brie, your posts continue to strike a harp chord with me. This is a loving and supportive post for women everywhere.
Our life has taken an unexpected recent change as the hospital has recently been my “hang out” place with my 14 year old. I am once again reminded how blessed we have been to have healthy children throughout the years, and how quickly aa “little sore throat “can complicate into a peritonsillar abscess and consequent pneumonia…… We are not alone…..
Yep, the housework is piling up.. The laundry, some dishes, a wee bit of clutter, but hey, I am happy to be at my daughter’s bedside to “nurse” her along. She thanks me often and gives me gentle hand rubs; it makes me concerned that she would even consider likewise… though in my heart, I know that she is well aware of my motherly protectiveness.
I am not alone. I have family, friends and He sustains me through my faith.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. Praying for your daughter.