Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Not anymore.


Playing along with Mama Kat today--she's got some awesome Writer's Workshop assignments this week. You should go check it out.


Once upon a time I wasn't a mom. It's hard to imagine. But for quite a long time, I was just me.

Before I was a mom, I was a career woman, immersed in making the world a better place for and through the students who spent their days in my classroom.

Not anymore. Today I am a "stay at home mom" with a class size of two. Except when they're at school. Well, I guess I was at school today. Twice. But that doesn't count because they didn't pay me. Or does it?

Before I was a mom, I had my own agenda, and I followed it.

Not anymore. Today I move about from place to place with my kids and live according to their agenda. Except when they're at school, or busy with their friends, or playing, reading, or watching TV. I hardly ever do what I want. Or do I?

Before I was a mom, I could keep a stiff upper lip.

Not anymore. Today when I see peoples' homes in a pile of rubble from natural disasters on TV, I imagine my own family in their place, and turn into a puddle. But if I was so tough, why did I bother to go to Haiti and the Philippines and Central Asia to help serve others--before I was a mom?

Before I was a mom, I was ultra-competitive, and didn't mind celebrating a little in front of the competition when I won.

Not anymore. Today I am not competitive at all. Nope. I have to consider the tender feelings of my offspring who might be sad if they lost. Well, maybe not today, but at least I did when they were like three.

Before I was a mom, I used to give my husband my undivided attention after I got done at school. I cooked special things for him, went on dates with him, socialized with other people with him.

Not anymore. Today he has to take a backseat to the kids. He gets the leftovers. No, I mean OUR kids. I had PLENTY of energy for him after spending my days with 25 seven-year-olds. Yeah...plenty...mmm hhmmmm.

Before I was a mom, I was a woman who was passionate about living her purpose in life, whenever, wherever, to whomever God called.

You know, come to think of it, maybe motherhood hasn't changed me so much after all. Maybe I am still...


...just me.

10 comments:

Dea said...

Very nice post, cute picture at the end!

Ashley said...

I love this post & the best part was how you remembered life before kids..that was cool how you compared !

StitchinByTheLake said...

I don't think I remember life before kids! blessings, marlene

stefanie said...

So much here! Sometimes it is hard to remember life before kids, but you reminded me of a lot of things I'd forgotten. We're growing up!

Los said...

I think you upgraded by becoming a mom. Good job!!!!

Betty W said...

Very good post! I think you just got better, by being a mom!

Melissa B. said...

And I love the Superior Snap that goes along with this awesome post! I've had several students visit Haiti to try to help; one who did it for his Eagle Scout award. Good for you...always thinking of others first, huh?

Joy said...

Those two little people in the last picture can really change your life can't they, but all those past experiences really help shape the reality of today.

This was a good read. Love the ending!


Joy

Unknown said...

Hi Tracy! Thanks for stopping by to visit. I love this post...it is great and you've got a wonderful blog here! I will have to stop back later to read your testimony. I love testimonies and am working on one for my own blog soon! I'm so glad you found me, I will definitely be back to see you soon!

God bless!

KatBouska said...

I love that last picture!! I like to think that motherhood has just improved most of us. :)