Moms go above and beyond for their children. From navigating traffic in minivans to managing family schedules like seasoned generals, we keep everything running smoothly. We strive to attend every event and ensure our kids feel our unwavering support during significant moments in their lives. Day after day, we push ourselves to provide the best for our families, often at the expense of our own well-being.
One shocking realization I had when I first became a mom was that there’s no sick leave. After my son was born, I found myself battling a brutal stomach virus. I spent hours on the bathroom floor, wishing for relief while my infant cried, demanding to be fed. It was a harsh awakening to the fact that, as a mom, there’s simply no time to be sick.
I came to accept that illness was not an option. I endured fevers, strep throat, and other ailments because my family needed me, often joking that the whole ship would sink if I weren’t on deck. There I was, attending soccer games while under the influence of NyQuil and trying not to embarrass myself at PTA meetings.
That all changed the day I had a complete meltdown in a school parking lot.
After a business trip, I pulled off an impressive feat to attend my son’s school play. With a speaking role, I was determined to be there, especially after feeling the weight of mom guilt from being away. As I rushed through the airport, my stomach began to churn ominously, but I brushed off the discomfort, attributing it to travel fatigue.
Once home, I ignored the signs that my body was starting to rebel. After putting the kids to bed, I collapsed into my own, shivering under an extra blanket. Then it hit me: the vomiting started, followed closely by the urgent need to use the restroom. And of course, they decided to happen at the same time — the ultimate nightmare.
I lay there, furious that my body chose this exact moment to revolt. Our dog, oblivious to my plight, brought me her ball, encouraging me to play. I attempted to pep-talk myself, thinking I could manage a quick jaunt to see my son perform. It was only an hour and a half, after all.
As I drove to the school, my son excitedly recounted his lines and costume. We arrived, and just as he leaped out of the car, I doubled over and threw up in the grass. There I was, on my hands and knees, yelling encouragement to him between dry heaves.
But I refused to give in. I thought I could power through. Unfortunately, my stomach had other ideas. A cramp hit me hard, and I felt a pressure that urged me to release, thinking it would just be air. A word of advice: never trust a fart. I learned that the hard way.
What I thought would be a harmless release turned out to be a disaster. I stood there, in utter disbelief, realizing I had soiled my pants right there in the school parking lot. It was a new low for me as a mother.
As I stood there, I had a moment of clarity. Using antibacterial wipes to clean up my mess, I came to terms with the fact that I had pushed myself too far. I wasn’t just sick; I was missing my son’s big moment because I didn’t listen to my body.
In my pursuit to be everything to everyone, I had literally lost my composure. It was both humbling and embarrassing. But perhaps this experience was what I needed to let go of the unrealistic notion of being a perfect mom. I decided right then and there that it was perfectly fine to be just an “okay” mom. I needed to take sick days and recognize when it was time to step back, even if it meant admitting I was at my limit.
Ultimately, losing my composure taught me that sometimes you just need to let things go and prioritize self-care. If you’re interested in exploring more about fertility and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on fertility from Science Daily.
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Summary
In this humorous yet relatable tale, a mom recounts her experience of losing control in a school parking lot while battling a stomach virus. This incident leads her to reevaluate her self-expectations and embrace the idea of being a “good enough” mom, highlighting the importance of self-care amidst the chaos of motherhood.