Comments on: Reckoning heartbreak

By: the new girl

the new girl — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:07:00 +0000

What a thoughtful, awesome post.

As. Usual.

By: Joyful Mama

Joyful Mama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:54:00 +0000

What a beautifully written post! I think we are all just doing the best that we can. And a good mother is a good mother, no matter what she does. I also really feel that moms and kids benefit when they spend each day home together, learning and growing as a family. I've chosen to stay home with my boys, and its the most challenging/rewarding thing I have ever done. I am grateful that I can be here at the "crossroads" of our home and their lives. I have a new blog if you want to check it out.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:40:00 +0000

I struggle with this too. I work part time – two days a week in an office and then a 2-3 hrs on the other three days. The balancing act is so difficult. I sometimes feel like I'm bouncing back and forth from Mom to Professional so often that I'm not doing either very well. I admire your strength in coming to the conclusion you have, as well as your beautiful words and dedication to your family.

By: Momma Bean

Momma Bean — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Ah...there you go again.

I burst into tears reading these words, knowing exactly what you are going through. Yet again, you've put into such wonderful words the things that are in my heart.

Even the short hours that I am away from them, I feel the pull, the missing parts and I know that the person that I was three years ago with dreams and ambition is not the person that I am today. I still have dreams and I'm still full of ambition. But it's different now...and so much more.

Here's to freshly carved ways...

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:14:00 +0000

The balancing act of a working mother is the hardest act to follow and I only have one to tend too (for the next few months). I'm sure the balance will fall into place as naturally as it can. Soon they'll be off to school spending those precious 8 hours with classmates and teachers…cue the sappy country song, "You're gonna miss this." Have you heard that one? It gets me everytime.

Here's to peals of laughter together and apart.

By: John-Michael

John-Michael — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:21:00 +0000

"The privilege of a lifetime is BEing who you are.” Joseph Campbell

You make it so very difficult, my Darling Amanda, to turn from the mesmerizing beauty of your "as ferociously as a runt finally finding its way to nurse," "to match pace with a truth I refuse to see," "a jumbled mess of mouse cords and princess ribbon," and "allows each of us to dance in the afternoon sun and release peals of laughter, together and alone," and slap myself into a conscious recognition of the reality that all of these magical renderings are expressions of agony.

How I do love this wondrous Person who you are ... and Life's rich gift to You, in the Person of Sean. For, don't you see, a lesser Character would give no pause to these challenges to your Self.

I have not even a whisper of doubt or hesitation in my complete confidence that your following of your magnificent Spirit will unfold satisfaction and peace for all of your family.

My love and admiring regards to Sean, and to You, Dear One.

By: Amy Y

Amy Y — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:50:00 +0000

I know this, too.
And even when you think you have it all figured out, the perfect balance, life happens and you see the flaws. It's never perfect but all you can do is the best you can do for all 3.5 of you. Good luck, Mama…

By: BetteJo

BetteJo — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:26:00 +0000

I stayed at home with my kids until finances and then divorce forced my hand. But I had come to a place where I could not be only one thing - I was losing myself.

Maybe a measure of my insecurity, I don't know.

But you Amanda, are so sure in your love for your family and so incredibly in tune with all of their needs - that I think no matter what path you take - it will be good for your girls because you will make it so.

A thought - if you are unhappy - it will be harder to make your choice work. If your choice feeds your soul - it will be reflected in how you make it all work, and in your family.

I know what I mean - I hope it makes sense to you.

By: Janet

Janet — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:22:00 +0000

I have a friend whose only career goal growing up with to be a mother. She is expecting her fourth child and a more contented woman you will never meet. I sometimes envy her single-minded focus on her children, while I try to meet a tight deadline, a pleading toddler tugging my hand and saying, "No 'puter! Play."

Alas.

I just know you'll find the right solution for you and your girls 'cause that's the kind of mama you are.

xo

By: Liv

Liv — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:03:00 +0000

My heart. I have struggled with this, too. How to work, pursue my joy, be the mother I want and need to be. It's a tough thing. I am so glad that you have Sean by your side.