Why do we, as mothers, wives—with our lives as crazy hectic as they are—sometimes feel so empty? I think that what we really need is two weeks at some beach. Either alone, or with commiserating girlfriends. In her book, Gift From The Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh hits this right on the head (keep in mind, though, she did take two weeks at the sea—by herself—to come by these words of wisdom:
“With our garnered free time, we are more apt to drain our creative springs than to refill them. With our pitchers, we attempt sometimes to water a field, not a garden.”
That’s what I’m doing. I’m watering a field. And I’m running out of water.
Tell me, has anyone figured out how to say no?
I, myself, would be happy to take a few weeks at the sea. Preferably a warm sea. With sun and books and lots of food and long walks. I think what it really is, though, that in a thankless job—we just want someone to say thank you.
So I’m saying it to all of you moms out there—thank you. Thank you for all the meals, cleaning, the laundry, the cleaning up of poop, the wiping of runny noses, the middle of the night feedings, the hours of homework, driving around, Costco runs, cleaning (did I already say that) and so much more.
Thank you.
7 comments:
Feeling this too.
The other night, for the first time, Christian woke up and heard Soren crying consistently through the night. He kept talking about how unusual that was for Soren and how tired he was the next day. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I've been doing that every night for four months now.
So thanks for the thank you. And you're not so bad yourself.
You are an amazing mother Emily. I sometimes feel bad for my kids because they got stuck with me. But I love what you said. Moms don't really ask for a lot. We really just want to be appreciated for all the millions of things we do everyday. And Sadie...Shayne admitted to Isaac the other day that he really didn't ever have to get up with babies and that was nice that he even acknowledged that. Years later.
All of you mothers (especially of the Reeder variety) are amazing. I don't know how you do it. I'd still love to make the attempt, but don't know how I'll ever be able to handle it as well as you do.
Em, I've been thinking a lot about you guys. It's been too long. Maybe you need to take a break on my side of the Bay?! Regardless, Kim and I want to come soon!
Erika,
I miss you too! I would love to meet you guys for dinner or something. And 'get away' from these crazies over here. Regardless, you are welcome to come here for some great locally grown steak.
and thank you, too -- for always making my empty cups feel more full when i come to visit. :)
Remind me to leave you alone with your book in Wyoming in June.
I love you, Em. And admire you to no end.
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