We are fixers.
Of toys and games, feelings and squabbles, dinner and laundry and of so many things that go unnoticed by most.
We can tell, at a thousand paces, when the toys are in the wrong order, the wrong cup is being filled with milk or the plate has the wrong number of peas.
We know the cause of every tantrum, and the odd, yet effective ways it could be overcome.
We are keepers.
Of information, dates in the diary, important paperwork, memory boxes and secrets.
We remember to pack the right snacks, which toys everyone likes and who needs to be invited for a play date. Long after the house has fallen quiet, we’re still making sure that the lunches are packed, the uniforms have been ironed, the laundry is done, and the dishwasher is on.
When things need to keep ticking, when someone needs to remember to buy the milk, or change the beds and wash the towels.
We answer all the questions. No matter how trivial or ridiculous they may seem.
We are doers.
And we’re okay with it if nobody really notices until the day that something doesn’t get done. We take pride in our work, despite the hour, despite the irrationality of requests and despite the sometimes-crippling fatigue.
Because, for us, it’s personal.
We have the best, and hardest job in the world. We are the gatekeeper, housekeeper, nursemaid and cook. We lie awake at night wondering whether anyone really notices, really cares.
They do.
They see what we do and will one day understand the sacrifices we make. We have helped them more times than we know.
We are mothers.
And to someone, that is everything.
Now that I understand and see everything with a different perspective, I know that every time I asked for your help, I asked you to sacrifice a small part of yourself.
I understand that you have always, and will continue to, put my needs above your own. And I am astounded by the grace with which you do it.
I have lost count of the number of times you have been there for me, and I will never be able to fully express my gratitude.
All I can hope for is that I can be half the parent you are. Because if this were true, my children would be truly blessed.
To me, you are everything. You are my oracle.
You are my mum.
Tagged under: kids,Parenting,Mother's Day,mothers,motherhood
Category: mom-101
