I can approach this from the viewpoint of a Mom with grownup kids. Neither one has lived with me for three years.
I had a very hard time deciding to go to college. I didn't want to go. I wanted to get married and have kids, definately 2 or 3, by age 28. The dream was put on hold for a few years. By 32, I had two babies who had been very sick and we had spent way too much time in OR waiting rooms and sleeping under hospital cribs or fold-out chairs, so baby number 3 was a dream left unfulfilled.
I spent most of their childhood working per-diem jobs and almost always being home when they were home. Being a Mom was Job#1.
Now that I'm not mothering on a daily basis, I guess this is sort of a "job evaluation". And it feels so much like bragging.
THE SEVEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BEING THEIR MOM
- They each found one activity they became passionate about, to the point of having part-time jobs teaching younger kids. They have chosen professions that involve kids.
- Because they were so involved with teaching, I had the pleasure of being told by so many parents that my kids were great inspirations for the kids they taught.
- Our kids grew up without a lot of the "finer things" in life. They've always driven my hand-me-down cars and always known that birthdays and Christmas would not involve gifts that were large in value or number. Rather than whining about it, they have always been gracious and appreciative of whatever gift they have received.
- They have always loved going on vacations with us. When they were in high school we always did a summer vacation. One year it was the Great Summer Hall Of Fame Tour...baseball, football and Rock and Roll. One year we surprised them with a trip to Universal parks and a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. Tomorrow we leave for a vacation in Atlanta. Sorority Girl is coming with us. Cape Cod Kid is sad because he can't come. He just spent his vacation competing in a KungFu tournament in DC, where he placed 4th or above in 6 black belt categories.
- I recently got on facebook. I didn't ask them to be my "friend" because I didn't want them to think I was invading their privacy. The first day they both asked me to be their friend.
- They call their grandmothers on every important day or holiday
- They survived a childhood with a mother who was not healthy from the time they were 6 and 9 years old. It didn't make them bitter or resentful. Sometimes I think it made them love me more.
7 comments:
This has inspired me to write a what I love about my mom blog.. coming soon :)
This makes me smile. And inspires me to put in effort now so I can hopefully enjoy kids who end up like the ones you've raised.
Beautiful. Isn't it frequently what we don't have that forms us as much as what we do have? It is rarely the kids that are given every material advantage that turn out this wonderfully.
Great list - not braggy at all!
They sound like lovely young adults which is exactly what I'm hoping for with Angst and Hippie.
What a marvelous post! You have much to be proud about - and so do your kids!
We are spending this holiday weekend with no kids and for once I am not sad about it. They are all doing fun things with their peers and I am proud of their self confidence and adventures.
Here's to parenting older kids - my toast to you and yours!
I know I'm pms-ing and all, but that made me cry. That was so beautiful. You have raised wonderful children who are now teaching others and paying forward your legacy. Bravo!
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