That's a tough one. Can you really narrow it down to one role? Maybe a Mother's role in a Child's life? In the Family? I can't be sure, because I'm still discovering it everyday on my own. What exactly is my role in this play called life, where I am cast as 'Mother'.
Its not that I don't enjoy it. I love being a Mom. And I'm blessed enough to have the opportunity to be a Stay at Home Mom. And I really, truly love it...most days. There are those days when tolerance is the best word to describe the day. Or maybe just survival. Those days when the sound barrier had been broken a number of times by a 4 year old who should know not to scream just because his brother took his block...or because its so super fun to fly off the couch. Or those days when that same couch is transformed into a trampoline or a fort, the kitchen into an art studio (including walls and chairs...) and the toilet into a bathtub for dollies. Those days when you can't believe that you are having the same argument with your six year old why we have to go to bed at night...even when they are 'not tired'. Those days when sandwiches and canned soup are a 'great' meal (it was vegetable soup...totally counts as 2 servings there)Those days when the kids do go to bed, I lay back on the chair and wonder what I was thinking....
And I remember that the four year old gave me a great big hug and kiss today, just because he really like the fruit roll-up I unwrapped for him. I remember that the couch doesn't have to stay a fort or a trampoline. I remember the look on the two year olds face when I discovered him playing in the toilet. (Like 'what mom, the babies needed a bath?') And I remember the 6 year old completing her homework quickly and efficiently, by herself! And I remember the big thank you for dinner that night because "I just love ABC soup!"
I remember those little things that are lost in the craziness that is life, and more. About the first time I held each of them. The boo boos I can make disappear with one kiss. Listening to them answer a question in Primary and think "They did listen in family home Evening!" The hugs and cuddles and kisses they give to me, my husband and each other. I remember all the love that we have in our family and I remember that it is all totally worth it. I am helping them grow up, weird as they may get, but growing up loved and nurtured by a woman who chose to stay at home and raise her kids as her full time job. And that woman was me, that choice was mine. And I will never regret it.
Not even when I look up into one of their faces and have to get that hundredth drink of water before bed...
