I vividly recall those evenings when she would tuck me in and plant a gentle kiss on my forehead. I remember the times she helped me tackle my homework. I can still feel her tears mingling with mine when my heart was shattered. We shared laughter during celebrations, and she would soothe my fevered brow with a cool cloth when I was unwell. Above all, I remember her unwavering presence.
It’s easy to be our own harshest critics, isn’t it? We often find ourselves questioning if we are doing enough—volunteering sufficiently, earning enough, crafting adequately, maintaining a clean home, and mothering effectively. We wonder: Are we enough as mothers? Are our children missing out on something? Is the house tidy enough? Did we plan activities for the upcoming holiday? The list of worries is endless.
Why do we put ourselves through this? What will truly linger in our children’s memories?
As I hope my daughter reflects on her childhood, I want her to remember the essence of who I am. I wish for her to treasure the moments we created together, the little instances that defined our bond. In the grand scheme of things, material “things” don’t hold value. I want her to remember my heart, my spirit, and the love that envelops her. That’s what I want her to keep close.
When she looks back on those formative years, she won’t recall the mountain of laundry on the couch—except perhaps for the joy of jumping into it and laughing. The overflowing sink of dishes will fade from her memory, while our shared family meals, filled with warmth and love, will remain vivid.
She won’t remember if another parent brought homemade gluten-free cupcakes while I opted for store-bought cookies. What will stand out is that I was there, ready to listen to every detail of her day.
So why do we subject ourselves to such introspection? Why do we strive for a Pinterest-perfect existence only to feel exhausted?
The truth is, none of us are perfect—do we even want to be? The chaos and messiness are simply part of motherhood and family life. It’s the memories we forge with our children that will endure.
Our kids love us unconditionally. They embrace us even when we’re at our worst. They see our imperfections and say, “I look just like you, Mama.” This is what will resonate in their hearts.
Next time you feel overwhelmed because you didn’t check off a task on your to-do list, focus instead on the hugs, kisses, shared moments, and countless expressions of love. This is the true measure of our motherhood, and it’s what our children will truly remember.
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In summary, our children will carry the memories of our love and the moments we shared far more than any imperfections we might worry about. Let’s cherish those connections.