Many women I know cherish the experience of motherhood. It has significantly deepened our ability to love and changed us profoundly as individuals. This role is consuming; it asks us to be the best versions of ourselves while continually depleting our reserves of energy and patience. As we navigate the journey of parenting, we must also remember that our children are on their own paths of discovery.
It’s difficult for kids to grasp that we were once in their shoes, not too long ago. They often exclaim, “You wouldn’t understand,” or “You don’t know what I’m going through.” In their eyes, we are simply Mom, just as we once viewed our own mothers many years ago.
We are the ones who tuck you into bed at night and check for imaginary monsters hiding under your bed. We remember your preference for crunchy peanut butter sandwiches, with the crusts meticulously trimmed away. We’re the ones who wear sensible shoes and always have extra Goldfish crackers tucked away in our bags.
But we are so much more than just mothers.
Some of us were adventurous tomboys, playing kickball with neighborhood kids for hours and climbing towering oak trees. We captured lightning bugs in jars, only to be called in for dinner by our mothers. Others of us were the leaders of mischief, orchestrating all sorts of escapades.
We dreamed of becoming veterinarians, police officers, or Olympic gymnasts. We’d fall asleep in our Wonder Woman pajamas, dreaming of adventure and the exciting lives we wanted to lead. We were free.
Music was our lifeblood. We would replay cassette tapes endlessly, memorizing every word of our favorite songs like “Piano Man” to impress our friends. We spent countless hours lost in the melodies of Led Zeppelin and Stevie Nicks, feeling each lyric resonate deeply within us.
We shared secret kisses behind school bleachers and swapped clothes with friends at school—clothes our mothers would have definitely disapproved of. We told our parents we were going to see a movie, only to sneak behind theaters to watch the older kids drink from brown paper bags. We were fearless, unencumbered by the weight of responsibility. We were fun.
Summers were spent swimming with friends at the community pool, enjoying cherry cream sodas, and sharing cheese sandwiches under beach towels while our dads played racquetball. Our nights were filled with laughter at the skating rink, arms linked together, our favorite airbrushed comb sticking out of our back pockets. We felt unstoppable.
Some of us struggled to fit in, moving between schools and states, trying to find our place. We experienced the pangs of young love—giving our hearts away, only to learn later how crucial it is to find someone who recognizes their worth. We were once the center of someone else’s universe.
Determination drove us. Some of us graduated from college while juggling two jobs, living on ramen noodles and Zima. We traveled with friends, spending summer evenings on back porches, sharing stories and making plans. The world felt like it was ours to explore.
While motherhood has undeniably shaped us for the better, we were all these things before you entered our lives. We understand your hopes and fears because we felt them too. We won’t claim to grasp every nuance of your experience, but know that we were once just like you, navigating the same challenges.
For those interested in more insights on this journey, check out our other blog post about home insemination here. If you’re exploring the world of artificial insemination, Cryobaby is a great resource. Furthermore, for in-depth information on fertility, visit Science Daily.
Summary:
Motherhood transforms us, yet we were all young and adventurous once. From carefree days as tomboys to navigating teenage love and life’s challenges, we understand the complexities of growing up. Our experiences shape our parenting, reminding us that we were once just like our children—full of hopes, dreams, and fears.