Barbie is 52. Barbie seems to be ageless, but I am not. I hate thinking about my age—I don’t feel only a few years away from 52! Thinking about Barbie and all her different roles makes me think of all of the different roles I’ve held in life so far. Daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, mother, wife, aunt, career woman, working mom, and friend. I became a mother when I still had 3 years of college to complete, so I’ve always had to grapple with the career-vs-motherhood thing. I’m happy to report that it isn’t one vs. the other, but rather making the two coexist as happily as possible. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a short time. I’ve been a mom who was at home while taking one class at a time. I’ve been a mom while going to college full-time and working part-time (still don’t know how I did that). I’ve been a mom who worked full-time. I’ve been a mom who worked part-time. I’ve been a mother for more than half my life, so its natural for me to do whatever I do while still mothering. And although I have a career and lots of responsibility and opportunity there, the thought of my children both being grown and not needing me much makes me wonder what I will find to do in life that will seem important enough to take the place of mothering. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I give thanks for my children and all the joy and laughter they have brought to my life, and for all that they have taught and still teach me. And I give thanks for the career that has allowed me to support myself, and has given me many opportunities to help people and to continue to learn.
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