Because I Am That Mom Too

Dear Working Mom,


I see you as you wipe crusties from your eye when you get up earlier than your family.
So you can get yourself ready before getting everyone else ready.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you as you rush to get kids in the kitchen to eat breakfast.
Juggling a spoon and feeding your child in one hand and a holding a knife cutting strawberries in the other hand to make your kids lunches.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you as you throw the dishes in the sink.
Not an extra second to put them in the dishwasher.
So, hesitantly, you leave a sink full of dishes to return to later.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you as you run around like a crazy woman looking for that missing sock for your child.
Brushing teeth.
Combing hair.
Wiping snot. 
Putting on shoes.
Cherishing the 30 minutes you have with them while you get them ready.
Running out the door to make it on time.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you as you drop your children off at their location and wipe a tear away as you leave them.
I see you tell yourself over and over:
"It is okay that I have to go to work."
"I'm not a bad mommy for leaving my child."
"They are in good hands."
Trying to make the guilt flee.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you busy at work all day trying to get everything accomplished so you can get home ASAP. 
As you pass the picture of your kids at your desk -you just smile.
You whisper a prayer for your babies.
That they know you love them.
That they are safe.
That they are loved.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you walk in the door so excited to see your kids and welcome them as they run into your arms.
You give a million kisses and a million hugs in a matter of minutes.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you wanting nothing more to play with your kids.
But you're so drained from work.
You just want to sit a minute in the quiet.
But you feel guilty because you have been gone all day.
So you pick yourself up and fight through it so you can give your all to your kids now.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you making dinner.
Watching your kids laugh and play and smiling because you remember how blessed you are.
I see your body exhausted but you accomplish what needs to be done anyway.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you as you tenderly play with your kids and love on them.
Playing chase, hide-and-seek, and baby dolls.
Building tents, teaching them to ride a bike, and playing dinosaurs.
I see the way your kids look up and smile at you.
Because they adore you, and they love you.
No matter what.
And they are thankful for the time they DO get with you.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you getting your kids ready for bed time.
Baths, stories, milk, and cuddles.
Times to be cherished and never replaced.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you doing the dishes.
Laundry.
Extra work you brought home.
All the things you didn't get done while your kids were awake so you could spend time with them.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you crawl into bed.
Exhausted.
Ready to sleep, so you can do it all again the next day.
Because I am that mom too.


I see you working mom.
It is hard.
It is draining.
But it is worth it.
Keep pushing hard.
You are doing a good job!!!
You are a good mom, don't let anyone tell you differently.
You're setting a good example.
They see good work ethic and good family values.
Our kids and families need us, but they understand too.
We're in this together!
Give yourself some grace.
I have to remind myself of that.
Because I am that mom too.




Karlee