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مشاهدة النسخة كاملة : How a Necklace Made Me Question My Abilities as a Mother


ahlam1399
02-23-2018, 02:31 AM
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While celebrating a past birthday with friends, we decided to wander the shops of our edgy downtown street. We stepped into one of my favorite places, a shop where vintage artwork popped from every corner and handmade jewelry hung from pegs. I hadn't planned on buying anything, but then I saw it: a pendant necklace that said, "Best Mom Ever."

"Can I buy this for myself (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Gifts-Buy-Yourself-44285537)?" I chuckled to my friends. Immediately, of course, they all said, "Yes." I took it to the register and paid.

I am my children's only mom, and therein lies a gift beyond any bronze chain, a gift that says no one else can validate nor eradicate what I know to be true.
When I got home, I showed it to my husband. "That's hilarious," he said, and we laughed together. I admit that I felt somewhat like Michael Scott from The Office, who kept a self-purchased "Best Boss Ever" mug on his desk. I know these types of things aren't meant to be purchased by the wearer, but given as a gift. But that necklace was beautiful and seemed like the perfect thing to dress up my frequent outfits of t-shirts and jeans. So why couldn't I get it for myself?

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My children are still in the stages (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Developmental-Milestones-Age-44332152) where they constantly shower me with love no matter what. They still want to snuggle (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Cosleeping-Bad-Kids-44410876) in the morning and they always want extra hugs at bedtime. I'm still a valuable teammate for checkers, and I do all the good voices when reading their favorite books (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/20-Must-Have-Classic-Children-Books-31094490). "Your kids are great," my family and friends assure me, "and you're a great mom." But those words are just flattery unless I believe them, too.

When my oldest child - an always curious 6-year-old - saw my necklace, he read it out loud. "Best. Mom. Ever." Then he snickered and continued playing. A couple weeks later, he asked me why I wear it. "I like it," I said. "Do you agree with it?" "No," he said, "because sometimes we do bad things and you yell at us." I nodded, impressed with his honesty, and kissed him goodnight.

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And he's right. I yell sometimes (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/5-Discipline-Mistakes-Parents-Make-28380021), frustrated over the little things. I can be grumpy every morning and snippy in the afternoons, and I question anyone's authority to speak to my parenting strategies (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Why-You-Shouldnt-Listen-Advice-From-Other-Moms-44456335). I know that no matter how rightful and loving my motherly discipline is, it doesn't always come out in the calm manner I know it should.

No, when compared to many other moms, I would likely not win the title that my necklace boasts. Still, I wear it because I have three children whom I love. Three self-purchased red words hang over my heart and speak a truth that goes beyond opinion or anecdotes. This truth is something that may take years to develop, but something that seeps positivity into all the minutes I spend with my children.

I am my children's only mom, and therein lies a gift beyond any bronze chain, a gift that says no one else can validate nor eradicate what I know to be true. I am the best if I choose to take on the title.



أكثر... (https://www.popsugar.com/moms/How-Necklace-Made-Woman-Question-Motherhood-44459312)