A Very Unusual Mom
A few days ago we hosted a very unusual Jewish mom. In fact, this mom from the United States was so unusual that for a day after meeting her I felt thoroughly disoriented. As though I’d travelled to the Alaska and found the locals sunbathing instead of skiing.
When this mom sat down at my table with her 3 children, a 3-year-old, 2-year old and a newborn, I took one look at her and her children and I felt that I knew everything about her.
And I assumed that, based on all the moms I’ve known, whatever her story is, she is beating herself up about something…
About how she works and sends her kids to daycare.
About how she is a stay-at-home-mom and feels frustrated.
About how she had her children so close together.
About how she had a C-section.
About how she had post-partum depression.
About how her house is a mess.
About how she doesn’t enjoy motherhood as much as she thought she would.
So when this mom left the table to take care of her baby, I went especially to sit beside her for a mom-to-mom heart-to-heart. I readied myself to bombard her with a hefty dose of chizuk and validation.
But it turned out this unusual mom didn’t need any.
This mom told me how she had had gotten married when she was 39, 4 years before. And since then she’s given birth to 3 children.
After speaking with her for 15 minutes or so, I was shocked to reveal that she seemed fine with herself, content even, with her imperfections and life choices and general situation.
And I was blown away. To meet a mom who seems totally at peace.
Here’s a mom who is trying to be the best mom she can be. Like all of us.
The difference between her and most moms is that she realizes that that is enough.
A blessing I wish upon me and you and all of us.
Beautiful, B’H! Nourishing Gratitude!