The Trenches of Motherhood

 

At this exact moment, my 9-month-old is napping peacefully and my four-year-old is playing pretend Christmas – wrapping up toys to give to me. Seeing this scene you would have no idea how much of a fiasco our midday was.

It started out normally, eating breakfast and preparing to go to the Y with a planned play date after. All things we normally do. Upon arriving at the Y, Jack walked into the childcare area without an issue, but for some reason when I finished signing him in, he had a complete meltdown. The kind you would expect from a two-year-old.

I spent the next 30 minutes trying to persuade him to stay before having to throw in the towel, literally carrying him out of the Y as he kicked and screamed. Thank goodness for a friend who was there who not only carried Isaac out for me, but also took all of my stuff while I wrestled with Jack.

It was one of those moments where you just block out everyone else – the stares from strangers, the screams of your child; walking with determination to you car as your arms and spirit ache with the weight of it all.

With the children safely in the car (though still screaming), I stood outside and took a deep breath in an effort to prepare myself for the drive home. My friend and I laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation and I apologized for having to cancel our post-Y play date. She smiled and offered to pray for me, knowing that my afternoon might be difficult. But then she went a step further and, right there in the parking garage, offered a prayer to God on my behalf. She prayed that there would be grace and energy and strength for me in the moments to come. 

Before I became a mother, I didn't have a lot of close girlfriends. It is something I have had to really work at. The further I wade into the waters of motherhood, the more grateful I am to have forged the friendships that I have. We have bonded over the good and hard moments of parenting. These women have become my confidants, my cheerleaders, and support system as I try to figure out life as a mom. I hope we don't have to cancel another play date, but am forever thankful for friends who are understanding and even willing to pray for me, on the spot if necessary.

⁹ Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. ¹⁰ If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (Living Bible Translation)