It was a scorcher today—90 degrees, with the sun blazing in the sky. To dodge the heat, my husband and I took our kids to a cozy water park. This place features a big green frog with oversized pink eyes that sprays water, a red and white mushroom with a drippy canopy, and a giant bucket poised to cascade water onto the little ones waiting in glee below.
My baby girl, my second child, is almost a year old now. Embarrassed about my squishy belly (thanks to a server who recently described me as “big-boned”), I opted for a skirt and tank top. That server’s comment—made by another mom, no less—echoed in my mind as I pondered my outfit. I’m working hard to accept my body, but her words ignited a flicker of self-doubt that threatened to consume me.
But then I spotted you at the water park. You were there in your navy blue and turquoise swimsuit, laughing and playing with your two little boys. I watched as you stood under that massive bucket, joyfully splashing in the fountains without a care in the world. My heart sank a bit, feeling foolish for sitting on the sidelines while my husband played with our kids. He even encouraged me to join in, saying I needed to hear our daughter’s delighted squeals.
So, I took the plunge and ran into the water sprinklers. I splashed around with my kids, soaking my skirt and laughing at my earlier hesitation. I even shared this with you, and you smiled, saying, “It’s alright, I get it.” Our exchange was one of those beautiful moments where women connect, and I felt a wave of peace wash over me, even if just for a moment, about my body. I wished I could slip into a bikini and join you in your carefree fun.
As a mom and an English teacher at an all-girls school, I want my daughter and my students to recognize that their bodies are simply vessels for their incredible minds and souls. My stretch marks and cellulite are just signs of my journey as a mother, not flaws.
Right then and there, I promised myself that I wouldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore. I wouldn’t skip pool dates out of swimsuit anxiety. I wouldn’t decline ice cream with my son when he begs me to share one. I wouldn’t obsess over calorie counting. I will wear my bathing suit proudly and remember you, the mom at the water park, who inspired me to be a role model for my girls.
As I made this promise, cradling my tired baby while my husband and son stood under that bucket once more, I caught sight of a small purple butterfly fluttering by. I pointed it out to my daughter as we watched it navigate the water park jungle. Butterflies symbolize transformation and new beginnings—how fitting for a day when I vowed to embrace my body with pride. And how perfect that my daughter’s bathing suit is adorned with butterflies too!
In summary, the day at the water park was a turning point for me, inspiring a commitment to embrace my body and enjoy life with my children without fear or shame.