Celebrating Moms…and our Children

My fellow FBF blogger – Ann – and I have often discussed the life experience of battling one’s own ambition. It is an interesting experience, and like most things in life, best when shared with someone who can relate and empathize.

Early in my career, I would make jokes in meetings with clients about my need for flextime schedules because of my personal trifecta.

MOM

MRS

MBA

It always landed well – but I haven’t said it in over a decade.

Truth is – it honestly isn’t that funny.

It has been really damn hard at times.

Not every day – but certainly more than it should be.

And at the point I am at in my career now, schedule flexibility (within reason) is granted without issue, and I do the same for everyone in our team.

This all coincides this year with Mother’s Day, as I will be on an extended work trip turned vacation (mostly by choice, somewhat by necessity) and not with our children on the actual Sunday that we all formally celebrate.

And you know what?

That is more than ok.

I have been a mom for going on twenty-two years. And I have to say that it is a truly bright light in my life, and such a sincere source of pride and joy for me daily.

But how our children need me has shifted dramatically – and that is exactly as it should be. A day in my life as a mom now includes a celebratory call for getting a cool summer internship, tears over a heated exchange with a difficult parking attendant in a dorm parking lot, text negotiations for an extended curfew, and a request for $75 flip-flops.

Truthfully, that all means that everyone is exactly where they should be in their phase of life.

Including me.

So I want to acknowledge all the support and love that I have from my husband, family and friends on this joy of motherhood.

And celebrate each of our children.

Jack – my first born, you are living up to all that your birth role predicts you should be. Leading and succeeding, and in truly impressive ways. I am incredibly proud of you – every day. Your future is so bright, and you fill my heart with joy at the man that you are today.

 

Kate – you truly are the daughter of my dreams. It has been a true privilege to watch you evolve over the last few years, letting go of what you needed to be the best version of yourself. Your sense of self, courage, incredible mind and heart, and your commitment to your dreams are astounding to me. I can’t wait to see it all unfold.

 

Connor – it’s hard to call you my baby boy anymore as you tower over me and demonstrate every day your dedication to being a stellar young man. This year has not been easy, and your ability to move forward, to lean into what is most important to you and who you want to be and surround yourself with the best people possible has been remarkable. You are on the verge of having even more high school experiences and fun. Stay true to yourself, dedicated and hardworking, and the rest will be remarkable.

 

Laney – you have a truly special piece of my heart. Thank you for trusting me, for being positive and full of joy, and so perfectly assuming the role of the youngest child in our family. I love to be with you – whether we are sitting quietly or doing something fun. I adore being your stepmom and having a front row seat to all the incredible things that you are doing and will continue to do in life.

 

To every woman I know who plays a special role in a child’s life, I encourage you to take a moment to think of your influence on them and hold it close.

 

Happy Mother’s Day, FBF community.