As my oldest son turns 5, I can’t help but reflect on the past 5 years. At this time 5 years ago, I had just been checked into labor and delivery, diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and receiving a drip of magnesium and pitosin. It was scary. But I was so excited to meet the amazing little man that would change my life forever and for the better. The initial years that followed were filled with so much joy, but so much fear. Becoming a mom started my journey to meeting my true self. It has not been easy, but it has been filled with much happiness and of course, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. My pot of gold is learning who I AM, not who was created by the challenges I’ve encountered in my life. I’ve met the real me, who just wants love, just like my sweet baby boy. She is not afraid, she is not anxious, she is at peace. And with peace, comes joy. I have found my joy by becoming a mom.
Part of this journey involved deciding what type of parent I wanted to be. Accepting that it’s OK to do things differently than those that came before me. Accepting that they too did their best to do things differently than those that came before them. It is my turn to decide how I will live my 1 life. And the years to come will be filled with love and happiness.
So on this anniversary of meeting one of the loves of my life, I not only celebrate him, but the mom I have become and will continue to strive to be as long as I am alive. In many ways, 5 years ago today marks the beginning of my life. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
MumGene 