IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

Walls. Something we see a lot of when we are stay-at-home moms. I remember when my girls were small and I rarely left the confines of our walls in that little cape cod house on Eden Court. My days were filled with all the demands of caring for our family; we rarely had enough money to go out for dinner or to a movie.

My youngest daughter, Julianne, was prone to pneumonia and bronchitis during the winter months in Michigan. I remember one winter in particular being difficult. It seemed like I went into the house one November afternoon and didn’t come out again until April!

There were times when I would fall into bed after a long day of taking care of all my family’s needs and wonder, “Does anyone really care about how hard I work around here?” There was no paycheck, no promotion, no recognition. Not one person was aware of what I did day after day. It seemed like the walls were the only witness to the great amount of effort I put into being the best mom I could be. Maybe that’s why I was so sad when we sold that little house.

Years have come and gone since we lived on Eden Court. Not too long from now my “baby” will graduate from high school. Now if I’m lucky enough to get a whole day at home, I feel like celebrating!

The walls may never speak, but my children are now expressing their gratitude for all I have done for them over the years. This Mother’s Day I received some beautiful cards and notes from my family.

My husband’s card reads: Wonderful mother, beautiful wife, precious friend, love of my life. You are my everything. He added a note: “You have been such a wonderful mother to our children. God has truly blessed us.”

My oldest daughter’s card touched me deeply. It reads: Mom, I wonder if you realize what a good example you’ve been for me. All that you do, all that you are, has really touched the lives of those close to you. You’re so sincere in your beliefs, so determined to be the sort of person God wants us all to be. It’s just natural for me to be inspired by you. With you, each day is a celebration of God’s goodness and His love. He must be very proud of you. . . I know I am. She added a note: “Mom, I truly am grateful to have you as my mom! Thank you for being such a good example of what a wife and mother should be!” My son-in-law added a note saying: “Mom, Thank you for being a good example to my wife. You must be so proud to see her turn out the way she did. Thank you for loving me as if I was your own son. I love you.”

My youngest daughter got me a cute card that reads: Hope your Mother’s Day is just like you. . . x-tra sweet! In her note she said: “Thanks for taking care of me when I was sick (she is recovering from mono). I couldn’t have got better without you!! I love you.”

Is there any paycheck worth more than the words my family spoke to me? My children now recognize the value of having a stay-at-home mom. Oh, and the promotion. . . . I became a grandma last July!

Are your walls closing in on you? Do you miss the paycheck, recognition, promotions? Don’t blink your eyes, these days will soon be past. The walls may not be able to tell your story, but someday your children will.

Copyright © 2002 Jeanne Wing. All Rights Reserved.