An ESME Sister submission: The joys of motherhood
Motherhood… a
profession that provides no immediate monetary rewards, no pension
plan, no 401K plan options, no health benefits in fact it has the
potential to cause health issues when the child reaches adolescence
and challenges authority however right now the 6 year old challenges
boundaries. Embarking on a premature experience of being a ‘tween’
at 6 years old has the potential to cause less discomfort than an
ulcer maybe laryngitis. Your name change becomes an endearing “mama”
which you loved to hear at the age range of 1-3 and now their needs
have expanded and your name is repeated more often igniting the urge
not to answer at times. Nothing prepares you for this role, this
unpaid position resembling an internship just the everyday rhythms of
discovery, invention which makes you a very talented individual. You
have now become an archeologist (looking for misplaced toys),
sociologist (understanding other kids on the playground), medical
doctor (having band aids makes you hero and a healer) and most of all
teacher. Motherhood does provide one immediate reward however,
abundant and unconditional love. Priceless.