Happy Mother's Day

I had surgery last Tuesday. It was minor, outpatient surgery, but as a result, I have spent most of the last several days in bed, and I won't be able to pick up anything heavy (i.e. James) for several weeks to come. And I've realized how wonderful my support system is. So this Mother's Day, I wanted to pull back the curtain and reveal the real wizards of my motherhood. If James does or is anything good, the following people deserve the credit. If, on the other hand, my mothering fails to measure up, the blame is mine alone.

Micah, my husband and friend and superhero

Micah has done everything, everything to help while I have been recovering. He has taken care of James, washed the clothes, washed the dishes, prepared the food, cleaned the flat, and moved things with solely the power of his mind. I married the most amazing human being on the planet, who bears my many indiscretions, weaknesses, and character flaws with grace and cheerfulness. He has endlessly encouraged and supported me in my role as mother, and I will always be grateful to him for that.

My own saintly Mummy

My mother is a great inspiration to me. She has been such a good example of mothering. When I was a child, she helped me develop my imagination and self worth while simultaneously giving me an anchor of safety and stability in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is truly amazing when it comes to teaching her children be independent, thinking people who choose to act for themselves and take control of their own destinies. Oh, and she tolerates with longsuffering and great compassion my many whiny phone calls about what a failure I am as a mother.








My tireless Mother-in-law
My mother-in-law is one of the most vocal advocates for yours truly. She never hesitates to tell me what a great job I'm doing as a mother, even though privately she must chuckle at my foibles and my comparative inexperience. She is one of those people that just gives and gives and gives, and you start to wonder if she has any desires for herself other than to serve others. She was the one who took care of me when I was pregnant and miserable, fixing me grits (she is Southern Hospitality personified) and bacon, empathizing with me to no end. She also happily takes care of James when his parents need a break.

Add to this list my father, father-in-law, stepfather, grandfather, grandmother, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, other family members, and dear friends, all of whom have functioned as surrogate therapists over the phone or in person or by email as I have tried to muddle through these first few years of motherhood. They have rejoiced in my successes and sympathized with me during my mistakes and shortcomings. Forgive me for not naming you all individually, but know that you are very loved and very appreciated. It does take a village to raise a child, and James and I are very lucky to be part of such a loving and wonderful village.