As I cradled my 3-year-old while our eldest napped, I felt completely drained. The last few days had been a whirlwind of cleaning up after sickness, tackling endless loads of laundry, scrubbing bathrooms, and making two trips to the doctor for a mysterious rash that had spread all over my oldest daughter’s body. Just when I thought we were in the clear, a high fever hit her. I watched her struggle through days of illness, dehydration, and constant discomfort, with her scratching at hives.
Yet, amid all the chaos, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. I was thankful I could be home to care for my sick first grader, who had come down with a stomach bug overnight. I cherished having a flexible job that let me shut my laptop and focus on her needs. I was also grateful for the time spent alone with my toddler during such a challenging week, even as we concentrated on our older daughter’s care. Most importantly, I found comfort in knowing that this too would pass—that she would eventually heal.
Many parents don’t have the luxury of time with their children. For my daughter, this was merely a bad virus—not a chronic illness or a life-threatening condition. It was part of the school experience and a way to strengthen her immune system. While the days felt long and tough for both my husband and me, I still felt incredibly fortunate to be a mom.
Isn’t that what parenting is all about? Perspective.
Before becoming a parent, I was gripped by fear of the unknown. After struggling with infertility, I dreaded the thought of IVF and the needles, but focusing on the potential outcome made it bearable. Once pregnant, I feared childbirth and the pain it might bring, yet once it happened, I barely remembered the discomfort. I did it again with my second child without thinking twice!
Of course, I worried I would never get my body back, and while I haven’t, I’ve learned to embrace it. My body transformed because I carried two beautiful girls. Doubts about my abilities as a mother also crept in, but with time, I found my groove.
Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered that, just like life, parenting hinges on perspective. No matter the challenges, I feel lucky to be a mom.
I have friends who are apprehensive about having kids (just like I once was). As they plan their weddings and read my humorous posts about parenting struggles, they often fixate on the tough moments—understandably so. Life changes dramatically once you have children. You may still enjoy nights out, but they’ll look different. Your career might continue, but it will require careful planning and balance. You must always prepare for the unexpected, like sudden illnesses or meltdowns. Yet, the rewards of parenthood far outweigh the trials.
I never understood how much love could fill my heart until I heard the word “Mommy.” Trying to articulate that feeling to someone without kids is nearly impossible. The joy of holding your baby, the anticipation of seeing their smiling face at the end of a long day, and the way they fit perfectly in your lap—it’s like discovering a piece of yourself you never knew was missing.
Being a parent is a profound gift. Yes, life changes, but it changes for the better. You get to relive your childhood through their eyes, rediscover the world anew, and celebrate holidays and birthdays with a newfound enthusiasm. You create your own family and legacy, sharing love and joy.
In those recent days with my sick daughter, instead of wallowing in misery, we found gratitude. We played games, cuddled, watched movies, and engaged in meaningful conversations—just as the moment called for. Because at the end of the day, parenting is all about perspective, and I was fortunate to simply be “Mom.”
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Summary
Parenting is a journey filled with challenges and joys. By shifting our perspective, we can find gratitude even in tough times. The love and fulfillment that come with being a parent outweigh the struggles, allowing us to rediscover life through our children’s eyes.