And then the following Monday everything goes back to normal.
I've got two things to say about Mother's Day. The first being that I'm a freak. Really- Mother's Day is no big deal to me. Your father shows me every week, almost every day, how much he appreciates my efforts here at home. Either he's putting on a really good show or he knows that a day with the three of you can be...chaotic. Joyful, fun and adventurous, but also frustrating, confusing, annoying and HARD. And because of his example, you girls routinely make me feel as though my work is worthwhile.
Bestides, I get breakfast in bed almost every Saturday when I hide out upstairs and you make pancakes with your dad.
The second thing I want to say is that motherhood should not be an accident. Motherhood is a CHOICE that you can make in your life, not just so you won't be left out on Mother's day and have to face all those annoying comments and questions every year. This is not saying that you three were not an incredible surprise to us, your dad and I never knew we could be this blessed. But from the moment we found out about you, we wanted to have you in our lives.
We have friends, both married and single, who have chosen not to have kids. These people are dedicated family people, adventurous, ambitious, talented and brilliant. And they know that they do not wish to be (or feel they would not be good at being) full time parents. I can respect that. While I could never imagine my life without you, I respect that they took the time to think about what they wanted rather than blindly doing what society demanded was the next step to marriage and biology.
They are generous with you three every time they see you. To a person, they smile and talk to you like small people; NOT babies. They read to you, they listen to you, they are patient with you. They would be great parents, but instead stand firmly in the position of aunts, uncles, godparents and friends.
You will be so lucky to have them in your life.
What I'm trying to say (and saying badly) is that if you decide to have kids, love them and raise them to the best of your abilities. If you can't have kids and want them, blood is not an issue. You love that kid, they are YOURS. Which makes them my grandkids. If you can't or decide not to have kids, it doesn't make you any less of a woman. Not one bit.
To be clear- I want grandkids. I want to spoil them rotten and see you grow your family in a way that will bring you joy. But if your choice takes you down a different path, I'M OKAY WITH THAT. Just make sure I get to make quilts for SOMEBODY. I can say that. I'm your mother.
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