Livin' the Dream

Today, as I was out running errands with my kids, we were singing together in the car--and all of a sudden, it struck me how much I love my life. From the earliest that I can remember, I have wanted to be a mommy. Even in college, when I wasn't married, wasn't even really dating, I knew that I just wanted to be a mom. That has always been my focus. I didn't know that along the way, I'd be blessed with other opportunities or that I'd have to wait longer than I thought I should have to for motherhood to come my way. But, I wish during all those frustrating times when I wondered when or IF it would ever happen, I could have had glimpses at my life now. (Preferably of the times when my kids are getting along and happy--which is most of the time.) I know that all I experienced leading up to this point has made me a better mom and, really, a better person in general. Those seemingly long years of waiting and wanting were filled with enriching opportunities that offer me perspective and appreciation for what I now have. I am just happy with my life--and I couldn't imagine a better sequence of events to bring me to where I am now.

Along these same lines, I've had a couple of experiences lately when I was out and about that have made me smile. Yesterday, at Costco, I was in line behind a woman with 4 kids. A tall lady in line for the next register over struck up a conversation with 4-Kid-Mom. I overheard Tall Lady tell 4-Kid-Mom how once her kids were out of school, she couldn't wait until summer camp week arrived. And, I overheard 4-Kid-Mom explain how much she loves having her kids at home and looks forward to having them around all summer. This sentiment is not often expressed these days, so I was thrilled to hear this woman defend motherhood in such a way.

Then, today, when I was at Target, I was walking through the baby aisles when I met a couple with a brand new tiny baby. (20 days old!) They were trying on infant carriers and I offered my opinion, which I'm quite prone to doing. Come to find out during the course of our conversation, this couple recently adopted their newborn, but already have 2 kids, ages 19 and 23. They also told me that they're already talking about adopting another child. It struck me that these people must love being parents. There aren't many people who are willing to take on more kids once they're "done" with the child-raising part of parenting. What a tribute to parenthood!