I See You Mama

To the working mama who stays up late to pack the lunchboxes and fold the laundry, I see you. To the stay-at-home mama who scrubs dishes through naptime, even though it’s her only break, I see you. To the moms who shuttle kids back and forth through sports and activities, I see you. To the moms who can never be sick, who can never take a break, I see you. 

I see how your love for your children shines through your frustration. I see how you hold all the knowledge for the family in your head. You know every illness, every stitch, every allergy, and every preference for every child. You know when the field trip slip is due and when to register for camps. You know, the last time the sheets were changed, and the nails were clipped. 

I see how each day you try to do better. You read another parenting article. You start the day with Mary Poppins energy, only to feel like Cruella DeVil by lunch. But you try. You won’t ever stop trying. And when the knees get scraped, or the feelings get hurt, you are the one they reach for. And you won’t stop. You will wake up in the middle of the night. You will go in and out 10 times to make them feel safe. You know it won’t last forever.

I see you special needs moms and moms of kids with learning disabilities or social/emotional challenges.

I see how overwhelmed you are and how you exhaust every resource. I see how hard you struggle to give your child the best shot. You can never rest. You can never let your guard down. You fight for them every day.

I see you mama who is dealing with infertility and/or loss.

You are still a mother even if you do not have a baby in your arms yet. I see you yearning, waiting, hoping, and carrying the burden of the emptiness you feel. I see you, and I want to wrap my arms around you.

I see all of you. Every version of every mom. We all wake up every day intending to be the best version of ourselves. We don’t always succeed. Sometimes we come up short. But we will never stop trying. And I see it all.