When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to be a mom. I would imagine cuddling my baby and would dream about my future. It was filled with images of love, tenderness and warmth. It was a dream I couldn’t wait to fulfill. Then it happened. I was a mother and remember thinking life is great and everything will be good. Nobody can predict the future, no matter what the source. I did have a beautiful family life, at one time and was very happy. I never thought it would unravel to the extent that it did. Life comes crashing down and you are never prepared for the sudden impact. You are facing your shattered dreams and standing often, all alone.
The reflection in the mirror is a woman who might be scared, confused, frightened, or lost. You are not alone, my friend. You have company in this group of mothers, who feel just as you do. I had a wonderful mother who knew of my dreams back when I was younger. I was lucky that she supported my thoughts and ideas as she did. I did not rely on her to fix my life, but her support for the decisions I made and the direction I needed to go, was priceless. It led me to think about our role as mother’s, to our children. It is far more than we could ever realize while our kids are so young. It is the way you give a smile of support to your child, that approving glance that shows your support to them. It can be the helpful nudge of encouragement to show them, they each have what it takes to succeed. It’s a moment when your heart just aches from the strain of motherhood, but your child gives you reason to smile. It’s at those moments that you pass along your love and your strength so that one day your child will navigate through troubled waters with patience and conviction.
The young woman you once were is not the same, but you are far wiser and more valued. Help your children learn these lessons in life in very subtle ways. Encourage, support, be optimistic and always remind them, their dreams are possible. Never lose sight that someday things will be better, different and whole again. Many young woman have broken lives, but don’t break your spirit. You are meant for greater things, even if you can’t see it now. I see it, in every single mother. You are the greatest teacher in the world!
Article by Laurie Cesario-Overton
Comment With Facebook: