Dreams

I grew up during the 60’s and 70’s.  It was a time of blossoming awareness, women’s empowerment and ardent feminism.  My friends talked about becoming doctors and lawyers, teachers and nurses, journalists and business tycoons. 

I remained silent.

I loved my friends’ dreams.  They were fine dreams.  They required passion and commitment.  I just didn’t have any passion and commitment to spare.  All of my passion and commitment were busy holding space for my dream.

My dream, was to be a mother. 

I know now, that it is possible to have a career and be a mother.  I’ve seen done; and I’ve seen it done well.  But at the time, in my mind, the two ideas were mutually exclusive, so I chose motherhood.

I practiced being a mother.

I learned how to fuss like a mother and cook like a mother and worry like a mother.

Twenty two years ago today, my dream became a reality.

Twenty two years ago today, Oldest Daughter was born and I began living my dream.  My dream has tested me.  I have not always passed, but I like to think that I have always learned.   

I am forever grateful for those lessons. 

I am forever grateful for Oldest Daughter, who birthed me into motherhood.