I realized this yesterday at the grocery store when my son threw one of the cans of 7up (a pregnancy lady's beverage of choice) out of our cart. Oh, I forgot to mention that before he threw it, he vigorously shook it up (without me knowing).
So, his pop can toss onto the hard cement floor resulted in an out-of-control pop can full of carbonation spinning in circles as the can fizzed and spurted pop on innocent passerbyers (and myself). At least it's clear colored pop right? My response to the worried onlookers was "Always an adventure!" when really I was scared about how I was ever going to get it to stop. I was relieved when that shopping trip was over, but when we got home I was puzzled when a few things that I remember deciding to buy, and placing in our cart weren't there. I kept thinking "I know I bought that..." when it hit me those items were ones I used to distract Benjamin with...those items therefore must have ended up on the floor or another shelf of the store, or who knows, maybe somebody else's cart since apparently I don't do very well with shopping and watching him at the same time. Oh no I thought....I am now that mom.
That mom who looks a bit ragged from time to time. That mom who takes a week to call somebody back. That mom who is trying her best to stay energized and productive but who's really distracted and tired! I then have to step back and remind myself that I'm also that mom who belongs to a family that's healthy and happy~ what really counts over the un-stained outfit, clean house, and perfect home cooked meals, right? That's what I'm choosing to focus on. I have to because our family and lives are only going to grow more and more. That growth is what I want, and I believe that when you want something, you shuffle other things in your life to make it work. And repeat well-said quotes like these....
“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one” – Jill Churchill
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” – Robert Byrne
“Don’t make a living at the expense of life. There is no such thing as a nonworking mother.” – Hester Mundis
So yeah, it seems crazy to think around this time two years ago I was practically organizing the volunteers at USU's voter registration booths, doing whatever I could to encourage people to make a difference and voice their choice. But, I think it's okay for me to check-out of some of that stuff for now. Stuff that just seems a bit too heavy. I still MAKE time for things like at least reading the headlines of NY Times, blogging (I love this as my writing outlet), and reading a book for fun. Those are all important things to keep my mind fresh, even if it gets lost every now and again....
Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteAs your mother who has watched you emerge from far worse scenarios (although this one was well recorded and thus pretty funny) I was not surprised to find that you took this unbelievable experience and found a way to make it 1)interesting 2)worthwhile and 3)humorous.
ReplyDeleteMy unbelievable moment occured when all three children were sick with runny noses and tired of being sick and me trying to keep them all comfortable ended up leaving the dishwater unattended while it was running and when I went to get the mop to clean up the overflowing sink I bumped the dry soap container that tipped over onto the wet floor and need I say more? Well...just then the little 14 month old skidded by wearing a pair of boy's underwear on her head like a hat eating an apple. Scooped her up and we all sat down and read a book. Somedays you just enjoy the day - not make the day. Thanks for your post! Love, M