Certain moments in life are forever etched in our memories. I remember the day the space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded on January 28, 1986. I recall a random evening in the fall of 1987, when I experienced my first real kiss. November 4, 2008, marked the day we elected our first African American President, and then there was that summer day in 1995 when I came to a startling realization: my dad was just a regular person.
The timing of this realization varies for everyone, but the emotions—shock, awe, disappointment, confusion—are universal. It’s a poignant moment when it strikes you that your parents are simply people navigating life with kids in tow.
From birth, our parents are our entire world. They cradle our small bodies and cater to our every need. They seem like superheroes to us, possessing incredible wisdom and the ability to answer our endless questions while juggling daily chores with seeming ease. When these extraordinary figures come crashing down to earth as mere mortals, it can shatter our perceptions.
When I first grasped that my dad was just a guy like everyone else, I felt betrayed. I had believed he was capable of anything and that he would never let me down. I carried bitterness for a long time, feeling cheated by my disillusionment. But as I matured, my perspective shifted, especially now that I am a parent myself. I’ve come to appreciate the reality that no one is fully prepared for the chaos of parenthood. Books and advice from friends barely scratch the surface. Parenthood is messy, exhausting, and the same people we were before don’t magically transform into perfect caregivers.
In my experience as a single mom, I often find that my messy life is on full display for my kids. Perhaps that’s why I strive to be transparent about my imperfections. I want them to understand who I am, which might soften the blow of inevitable disappointments.
I am a friend, a sister, a daughter, a writer, a yoga enthusiast, and a runner. I relish laughter, good food, and lazy weekends. I enjoy baking, diving into new projects, and organizing everything in sight. But I also have my moments of crankiness when I’m hungry or if my partner is late. I’m not perfect, and I have goals yet to achieve and places still to explore. Above all, being their mother brings me immense joy.
At the end of the day, while “mom” is my favorite title, I’m just a person—a person with two kids. The sooner they recognize that, the better it will be for all of us. For more insights on parenthood, check out this article about the realities of parenting on our blog. If you’re considering home insemination, you can also find reliable resources like American Pregnancy and reputable retailers like Make A Mom for at-home insemination kits.
In summary, parents are human too, with all the complexities that come with being just a person. Recognizing this truth can lead to a more profound understanding and appreciation of the parent-child relationship.
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