A splash of color

My respect goes out to all the moms out there who are doing the child-rearing on their own. I don’t even want to begin to imagine what it must be like to daily be faced alone with the challenges of motherhood. I tend to complain…and whine…and maybe even cry if my husband is gone two or three days in a row. Okay, if I’m honest, I already hate one night that I am left alone to take care of and place two babies in bed. And I am embarrassed to say so because I know there are plenty of moms out there who are daily faced with the challenge of juggling it all on your own.

Today, in one of my crying and self-pitying moods, I realized I don’t even have the right to be down and demand of my husband that he chooses to help me (again) instead of doing something fun himself (which I strangely enough always encourage him to do). Why? Because it is an honor to be a mom (to TWO HEALTHY kids). And because I CHOSE to stay at home and be a FULLtime mom. But mostly because of all of you who are doing it on your own.

For me, at the end of the day, when the kids are asleep and the house is tidy again, none of the complaints no longer matter. Because a child is worth every single tear and dirty diaper and stressful/chaotic day.The smile on their face and the peaceful look they have when they are asleep re-energizes and brings a splash of color into my life.

And, I don’t have the right to complain because I have a loving, caring and self-sacrificing guy at my side. Who gets out at night to comfort our crying son, who chooses to take us for a walk after a long day at work, who lets me stay in bed on the weekends when he should be the one to finally sleep in late, and who surprises me with one of my favorite flowers even though I took out all my frustrations on him.

He truly knows how to add color to my life and make it more beautiful!

So, my respect goes out to all of you moms who are really doing it all on your own. I am sorry for the moments that I complain and think I have it rough. Next time, I will think of you and remind myself that I am blessed.

“She girds herself with strength…Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure…Her children rise up and call her blessed…” Proverbs 31:17a, 25a, 28a 

Happy early mother’s day! And believe in the strength of a mother.

❤ Nan