Watching these families being torn apart breaks my heart.
I can’t imagine, as a mother, how I could survive something like this. I would break.
I can’t imagine, as a child, how I would feel watching my mother walk away from me and not understanding why she’s leaving me with strangers and not coming back.
STOP with the lies, the blame, the accusations and deflection.
I don’t care about the politics. I don’t care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. I don’t care if you’re pro-immigration or against immigration. I care about these families, these parents and these children.
We elected you to represent us, the people. You are supposed to care about what we want, what we need, and listen to us when we speak. When you don’t, when you choose to do whatever you want, you will be voted out. Expect it.
I don’t care what we have to do to fix this problem. FIX IT!
In honor of Mother’s Day today, let’s take a minute to think about exactly what it takes to be a mom. You would think it’s easy; have a child, right? It could be, but there are so many other ways that you can be a mom. There are step-moms, aunts, sisters, team moms, and the neighbors who help take care of you when you need it. There are so many different ways to be a mom that there is no definition and we should celebrate all the women that have such a huge impact in our children’s lives.
I believe that being a mother is the most difficult job in the world. You need to be all things to all of your kids at all times. That means when one is happy and one is sad, you have to be happy and sad at the same time. When one of your children is in pain, your whole being is in pain. Each one will be going through something different and you have to adjust to each circumstance. Continue reading “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Hmmm, do these two things ever go together? I think they can, but I don’t think it’s necessarily the best way to go into a holiday. We all do the best that we can through this holiday season but, when we set unrealistic expectations of either ourselves or others, it’s a setup for failure. We all joke about that family get-together that includes the crazy uncle, the forgetful aunt, or the parents that are disappointed in us. Unfortunately, this happens more often than less. Most of us are versions of that family. We may have disagreements and things can be awkward or irritating. The picture-perfect family gathered around a fireplace and singing Christmas carols is extremely rare and, when we try to force this into our lives in an effort to make our holiday idyllic, we’re likely to be disappointed. We don’t have to be, though! Don’t try to be something that you’re not. Do more of what makes you (and your family) happy and don’t worry about how it “should be”.
I don’t think we should try to meet expectations that aren’t realistic for ourselves. We should each do what’s best for our OWN families and friends. It’s what makes us happy, what brings us together, how we feel about each other that’s important. It’s not the dinner, the gifts, the presentation or decorations. It’s the joy that we are looking for. Bearing in mind that none of us are perfect, it’s reasonable to assume that nobody else that shows up is perfect either. Does that mean that your holiday gathering won’t be perfect? Nope. The perfection comes in the love, the heartfelt good wishes and acceptance that we have for each other. Of course we’re all stressed out, tired from the running and trying to get everything done and, for a lot of us, work pressures, health, or weather problems on top of it. We’re going to be a bit on edge, easily irritated and may not be in the best frame of mind in the exact moment we need to be. Let’s try to be patient with each other. There are things that matter (like caring, forgiveness, love) and things that don’t (irritation, intolerance, rudeness). We have a choice on how we want to let these things affect us, not just on the holiday itself, but every other day as well. Sometimes we need to overlook those things that aren’t perfect. If the food is overcooked, you don’t approve of somebody’s clothing or the life choices a family member makes, it’s okay. If everybody is there to share their day with each other, that’s what counts. The rest will all make good stories in the years to come. We should choose to look for the things that make us happy and not get upset about things that aren’t important. THAT’S what it means to enjoy the holiday. I hope yours is all that you wish for!
