Five Minute Friday: Together (Or Not Quite So)
Today’s Five Minute Friday word is: Together.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.2. Link back here and invite others to join in.3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.
GO:
It has been 6 months, almost exactly, since I had my third baby. He is precious and sweet and easy. He’s really cute and has the chubbiest of kissable cheeks. His smile makes me smile with my entire heart.
I work two jobs so I can stay at home with my babies and be here when my oldest (8) gets off the bus from third grade. I teach high school English online, and I’m teaching one hybrid night course at a local community college.
While it may seem that I have things together — those on the outside think that I am “supermom” doing so much awesome stuff and making them look “bad” — I totally don’t. I’m a really good actress.
Having it together wouldn’t include this feeling like I’m going to unravel at any minute.
Having it together wouldn’t mean considering getting in my car and just leaving.
Having it together wouldn’t have me just wanting to sleep or cry instead of getting up and making breakfast.
Somehow, though, I do it all. I get up and get everyone ready for school. I get my work done so that my students can keep moving forward. I smile and act happy and am — seemingly — together.
But I’m not.
STOP
Love you
People used to ask me how I made it through the days, weeks…years with 5 children and moving regularly with a spouse in the armed services. I can only say that I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, taking the days as they came, and getting through the earaches, learning-to-walk wounds, etc., that go along with children.
Now, when I look back, some special moments are remembered; but for the most part, only the best memories remain such as bringing the new baby home from the hospital, the older children taking care of and loving/teaching the younger; and the pride in their growth and accomplishments.
Lydia, you are one of them and well-loved and respected. “One day or another…” you will look back and ask where the time went and wonder how these children could grow up so fast. Enjoy the moments now. They won’t last forever. But in the moment there does not seem to be a tomorrow. Always remember to rejoice in all things, even the ones that are exhausting. Give all the negatives as well as the thanks to the God who created you for a reason and the blessing that you are to your parents and to others.
I think you meant, “most loved,” right? Just kidding. Thanks, mom. Love you.
I hear you, Lyd. You are a wonderful woman, wife and mom. Always here for you if you need to talk. You are not alone. *hugs*
Thanks, Kristin. I know you’re there, and I really, really appreciate it!
Good for you for being a stay at home Mom!! My Mom did that when she had me and my sister, and as far as I know, she never regretted it. I can say without a doubt, it gave me and my sister the best upbringing and care we could have had.
oh and no one has it together. 😉 not really.
Being at home and working sure is a new adventure for me. But, as you said, I’m so glad to be here for my kids! Thank you for coming by!
Um…welcome to people-hood. (Started to say womanhood and motherhood, but it’s really all of us humans).
One of the beautiful moments of life, is realizing that I am not alone in my occasional desperation, and that the most amazing character of human-kind is that, in spite of our desperate feelings, we get up, put one foot in front of the other and jump back into life. If we periodically look back at our life, (our day, the last ten minutes), and can say, “Not bad. In fact, pretty dang good.”, that’s a blessing to be grateful for.
And stop wincing. I know that ‘for’ was a preposition, and I can’t end a sentence with one of those…but I did.
One of the curses of being a teacher, is the tendency to grade everything and everyone: B+ on kitchen sink clean up. F-on the cat barf. High expectations can grow our minds and souls. Impossible expectations will kill us, and those we love.
Some days are “good enough” days. thats the key to happy.
STOP
I hear you. “Good enough” is still good, right?
PS
I believe that the validation of all reality can be found in Country Western music.
About 40+ years ago, there was a song about a woman who REALLY wanted to ‘turn right instead of left on Main Street’. She didn’t. But at the time, it made me realize I wasn’t the only one contemplating getting in my car and not coming home. (I mean, the song was a Hit for a reason).
Be happy for occasional balance and a lovely deep breath.
I’m going to have to look for this song!
Oh, Lydia. I hope you know that you are not alone in not having it all together! I had someone ask me the other day how I “do it all?” I honestly told her that I most certainly don’t do it all: I skip the laundry the dishes, the vacuuming and mopping and a lot of other stuff. Please don’t think that *any* of us have it all together! We just do the best we can to get from one day to the next. {{{{hugs}}}}
I don’t think there is a person on this earth having it all together if people are like me.and that is okay. That makes us vulnerable and shows us how very weak we truly are, but it is in this weakness that our Lord Jesus can show Himself strong. He gives strength to the weary and brings beauty out of our ashes! He opposes the proud, but blesses the humble. So let us carry on being humbly-being-not-so-altogether!
Blessings XX
Mia
You are right. In my trials and frustrations, I’ve learned more than in just the happiest and most relaxed times. Thank you for coming by, Mia!