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The Sampler – What Does Mommy Mean?

August 22, 2008 by Guest Contributor

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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sampler-main-180-pix.jpg5 Minutes for Mom brings you exclusive samplings from the best mom blogs in our weekly column, The Sampler, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom contributing editor Shera, from A Frog In My Soup.

Balancing life and parenting can be rather complicated whether you have 2 children or 6 children (a little hint as to why The Sampler is going up later than usual), so when Sarah sent me this feature post which puts that so perfectly into words I knew I had to share it with all of you! Sarah is the mother of five children, “that wears me down some days and lifts me up on others. It wasn’t my first plan to have five kids and be a stay-at-home mom. I was going to be a college professor with two children. I’m grateful for my Plan B, though. It’s taught me more, and given me more joy than I could have ever hoped for.” You can find Sarah at Worlds Greatest Mommy, where you will truly find inspiration, encouragement and life as a busy mom!

What Does Mommy Mean?

She’s only eight years old, but she wants to know something important. She’s looking forward into her future, and wondering what will be there for her. She’s fairly sure that she’ll have children. She wants to prepare now so that she can be a great mom. And so she asks me..

“What does it mean to be a mommy? What do I need to know?”

But I’m in the middle of a million things. Her baby sister has broken a glass bowl and the pieces lay shattered on the floor. Her older brother wants me to see him get through a new level on a video game. I don’t even know where her younger brothers are, and I promised all the kids that we’d go to the library to see a traveling animal show.

So I say, “Just a minute.” And then I rush around trying to do everything necessary…everything on the list.

After a long day, I tuck in my children and look forward to going downstairs to a giant slice of chocolate cake and sitcom reruns. I’ve earned it, that’s for sure.

My daughter is the last one to kiss. Minutes more until I have some freedom. And then I remember her question…still unanswered.

“What does it mean to be a mommy? What do I need to know?”

As I walk into her room, I wonder if the hectic day has taught her lessons, I’d rather not have her know. I search back through my memory and wonder how anyone, especially an eight-year-old girl could find glory and value in the things I’ve done today.

I sit down and concern for her feelings and needs banishes the memory of what waits downstairs. I’m needed here and the need is great.

I tell her that I’m sorry I didn’t have time earlier to answer her questions.

She sits up and smiles at me.

“I think I figured it out.”

I feel a little sad. She didn’t need me after all. I wonder what warped view of motherhood I exhibited for her today that managed to answer those questions.

She leans in close and hugs me and whispers, “I think you just have to love your kids a lot.”

I’m crying softly, because it’s hard to see that any example I could have set would have helped her arrive at that conclusion, but I’m grateful. And I hold her for a little longer and we laugh at some of the mishaps of the day. I twist a spiral curl in my fingers and tell her she’s growing up so fast. She kisses my cheek and says goodnight.

I know it won’t be long until she sits on her own daughter’s bed after a day like the one we’ve had. I think I could take a little pride in the training she’s had for those moments waiting in the future. We strive for grace as mothers, and sometimes our daughters teach us the best lessons.

I walk downstairs and realize that the sweetest part of my day has already happened.

~ Written by Sarah of World’s Greatest Mommy.

If you would like to be considered for The Sampler please review The Sampler Guidelines.

This column is Hosted by Shera. She can be found at A Frog In My Soup

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14 Comments

  1. Meghan says

    November 8, 2012 at 8:21 am

    I am a firt time mommy… Actually out son will be born the end of January next year! As I was reading your blog I thought about my own mommy and how she raised 5 kids! I am the youngest, well I have an identical twin sister but I was the last one born and I hope that I can be as great of a mother as my own! I really would live to continue reading more if your blogs!! Thanks again for sharing!!! I loved it!

    Reply
  2. Kalisha says

    August 24, 2008 at 5:24 pm

    What a beautiful moment and post! You almost had me crying out loud…there is nothing that melts your heart more than having your daughter wrap her little arms around you as she tells you she loves you. My 2 year old just started to say to me, “Mommy, I love you. You are my best friend.”
    It is the sweetest thing to hear.
    We always have to remember how lucky we are to be blessed with such amazing children. Sometimes I just want to throw mine in the bed and close the door–only to hear “mommy, kiss, one more kiss.”
    Simple reminders that it is love that makes us great mommies!
    Kalisha

    Reply
  3. mandy says

    August 24, 2008 at 8:26 am

    Beautiful as usual Sarah. You have a way of making me feel like I’m doing my best, & that’s all that my children need. Thanks.

    Reply
  4. Laura says

    August 23, 2008 at 11:32 am

    I feel like this many days… but hopefully its the essence of us are children experience.

    Great moment with your daughter!

    Reply
  5. Jackie says

    August 23, 2008 at 8:27 am

    Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing your heart. Now someone please pass the Kleenex…

    Reply
  6. Doll Clothes Gal says

    August 22, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Well done Sarah, that was really beautiful

    Reply
  7. Beth Ann says

    August 22, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    oh you got me with weepy eyes…

    Reply
  8. Lisa says

    August 22, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    What a sweet story! A great mommy moment.

    Reply
  9. PastormacsAnn says

    August 22, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    You can tell her all your want but she’s really learning because you’re showing. And apparently, you’re showing her just fine!

    What a sweet sweet moment. Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
  10. kristenkj says

    August 22, 2008 at 2:44 pm

    Oh, I’ve had many days like this…where I can’t concentrate and finish one task before the next one emerges, and there are at least 4 people yammering for my attention. And I tell someone to hang on a minute…

    And I do wonder what they think of the job they do. I wonder if my daughters will look back on their mom and say “THAT is what I want to be like when I grow up.” Most days, it seems doubtful. But this post reminds me that little eyes are always watching, observing how we handle tasks, and learning from us. And I hope they learn love the way your daughter did.

    Reply
  11. Rebekah at babiesabroad says

    August 22, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    This was beautiful and so sweet. It brought tears to my eyes! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. We are THAT family says

    August 22, 2008 at 2:06 pm

    Great job, Sarah! Beautiful!

    Reply
  13. Sally says

    August 22, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    I like to think that a mommy means love.

    Reply
  14. Robin (PENSIEVE) says

    August 22, 2008 at 1:53 pm

    Sarah,

    A lovely post that we ALL can identify with; you’ve characterized the essence of motherhood in a way that resonates with those of us who’ve “been there, done that”.

    So glad you had a chance to share your voice with The Sampler…very nicely done :).

    Reply

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