Happy Mother’s Day!

The most important task of my lifetime has been to raise my two children.

I have worked for Senators and House Representatives, lawyers, brokers and bankers, but no job I have ever had prepared me for motherhood or gave me more satisfaction.

You see, for 17 years, I decided to be a stay at home mom and raise my kids. I made sacrafices in my marriage and in my livelihood. For years I was sleep deprived. I was never allowed to take a day off, and I have dug deep to find nursing skills I never knew I had.

I became a counselor, a pastor, and doctor of skinned knees. I have been thrown up on and I have watched my children fail so they could learn firsthand how to deal with hardship.

I was exceptionally lucky with the genetic makeup of both my children. They are attractive in everyway. They are skilled at many things and I am sure will be lifelong learners, long after I am gone.

You see, my own mother taught me many things, mostly how to dig deep and find my innermost creative expression and also how to work for what I wanted. She taught me that mistakes are sometimes our best teachers. She was strict at times, and sometimes terribly misguided, but she also gave me the tools I would need to excel at being a mom.

I was quick to recognize my shortcomings and ask or look for guidance that would make me a better person and a better mom. I took the time to tell others when I was feeling down or discouraged.

I was in control of how my children were taught, managed and disciplined. I am the one who shared my spiritual beliefs and I am the one who helped them to understand their mistakes and learn life lessons in the process. I am the one who fed them and bathed them. Both of my kids know I am there for them 24/7. Not just when times are going well, but also when times are tough.

My kids got the best start in life I could give them. They are strong and resilient, independent and adventurous. Keep in mind, kids aren’t born that way. Children need at least one parent who is willing to put in the time and effort to make all those falls and spills count for something. Kids need only be given the opportunity to grow bored in order to find their own creativity. And in finding their creativity they will blossom into human beings that are problems solvers.

I see so many moms these days who want to leave the child raising to day care and babysitters. Do you realize when that is your goal you are handing the reins over to others who most likely will have different moral standards and guidance techniques than you? It’s a gamble.

There was no way in hell I was going to leave the upbringing of my children to strangers. I didn’t have the luxury of grandparents who lived close by, so I chose to do it myself. It has been the greatest gift I could have given my children and the best thing I could ever have done for myself as a person. You see, we are both winners. I, for taking the time and my kids for the quality I instilled in their lives. I take great pride in how they have turned out. I never left them to video games and cartoons. I gave them nourishment for their spirits and minds and soul.

I wish I could get more moms to consider staying home with their kids, at least before they start school. No one, on their death bed, wishes they spend more time at the office. Our relationships with our children are the most valuable relationships on the planet. If you are considering staying home instead of going back to work, give it a try. You’ll be glad you did. Don’t think, for one second it will be easy, it won’t. However, hard work always pays off. It’s the best job you will ever have!

Now my own children are having kids of their own. When my daughter decided to be a stay at home my with the birth of my first grandchild, I could not have been happier. She is giving him the foundation he will need to become strong and resilient. He will feel safe and loved and be one who grows into a powerful and purposeful individual.