I discovered I was pregnant at the ripe age of 21, became a mother at 22. During my pregnancy, I tried to imagine what it would all be like, but becoming a mother has taught me so many things. My favorite lesson is realizing what an amazing person my own mother is.
1. Life passes all too quickly.
Bringing this little being into the world, I have had the pleasure of watching her grow. The first month after bringing my daughter home is such a haze. The best advice I received was to sleep when the baby sleeps -- I didn't know memory loss was part of the process. I suppose with little sleep, panicking at the first signs and movements of anything unexpected and being on-edge round-the-clock weighs on a person. But seeing this tiny growing into this toddler, this little person, makes me see how quickly the last three years have flown by -- how 25 has flashed in front of me and my little girl is really this little person.
2. Sacrifice becomes second-nature.
Being a self-absorbed young adult was easy; I lived at home with minimal bills. Since I was working so much, I was able to buy the cutest outfits for Friday nights out, designer handbags always on deck with a closet full, just in case I got bored. These days, designer handbags are a pleasant treat about twice a year, and I seem to shop the clearance section often. You better believe my daughter has two closets full of clothes and an entire dresser. Although I know she doesn't need everything she has, it's such a wonderful feeling providing her with the best I can offer.
3. Sleep is a thing of the past.
Science says we should enjoy eight hours of sleep a night to maintain our health. Children do not know or care about what science says, nor do they care if or when mommy sleeps. Energy drinks, coffee and B12 shots have been the only fuel for this tank over the course of the last three years.
4. Having mommy near during sickness is home.
As a child, my mother always checked on me during the night, held my hair when I was sick, carried me to Sandy Springs to see the best Pediatrician in the state when I was sick or needed immunizations. The worry and love my mother has shown me over the years has carried into my adult life, and I understand why she did the things she did. My daughter suffers from asthma, and I dread winter more and more each year. Before her diagnosis, we spent many sleepless nights in the bathroom with a hot shower running for hours so she could breathe. Once she was able to fall asleep, I was still unable to sleep in fear that she would need me and I wouldn't be able to hear her. Even as an adult, I still call my mom to come take care of me when I am sick, make my favorite soup and just let me know she is there for me.
5. It gets easier.
There used to be a commercial on TV. The mother was so particular with everything her first child encountered but with the second child, it was free reign. The little bumps and bruises that first occur are the scariest -- many unexpected (and often unnecessary) trips to the hospital. But the older the first kid gets, the easier things become. You no longer jump at the drop of the hat and you realize children are not as fragile as you think.
Being a young mother, people pass a lot of judgement. Realizing that not everyone parents the same or looks the same or even cares the same is very simple. Becoming a mother is the greatest blessing life can give, and it makes me appreciate everything my mother has done. Hug your mama, you will never know the things she went through and the lessons she learned just raising you.
To my mama, thank you for loving me.
