When I first found out I was going to be a mother, I never had any concept of what that meant, except that I would be responsible for another human being. I was 27 when I had my first child, a boy we named Michael. My mother never told me quite what to expect, and maybe that is best. Things were different when she had all of us. It ended up being emergency c-section. I have to laugh when I think of it, as I recall the doctor asking me how I felt afterwards. I told the truth. My regular doctor came in and apologized for not attending the birth as he heard it was a tough time. I told him I really did not care at the time, as I just wanted someone who knew what they were doing. He told me I was very open- minded. Now I look back and I am glad I felt that way. I guess it was a preparation for motherhood in many ways. Many things are completely out of our control. Acceptance is what I have learned on this path called life.
             Anyhow, I was unable to see my son for over 10 hours. I hounded the nurses to see my son, and they assured me it would be soon. Well, ‘soon’ meant after the doctors came to inform me that my son would be needing work on his feet as he was born with bilateral club feet. I was listening intently, but when alone, I faced uncertainty about what it all meant. In a room with a curtain dividing us, my roommate sensed my uncertainty and asked if I was okay. I assured her that I was okay. When I saw my son, it was instant adoration and I had an overwhelming sense to protect him. Two years of casting and 2 surgeries took care of most of the correction to his feet. Little did we know how insignificant that would be as we later found he would have Muscular Dystrophy. In time we learned how to live with that too.
             Then the birth of our second son occurred two years later. It was totally different as I was alert when he was born with a regular delivery. It was very long and I will never forget the experience at a military hospital. After complete exhaustion and my baby’s cry, applause erupted in the hallway amongst the staff. He was put up close to me and he looked right into my eyes. Complete silence fell over him and I said quietly, “Hello little baby, I am your mommy”. I started to cry and said to my husband, “Take your new baby son”. 
             So began the rollercoaster ride which made me crazy sometimes and certainly made me laugh. Being a parent has certainly allowed me growth in many ways, and sacrifice is our middle names. Our parents did it, and now we do it. It is my belief that not until I became a parent did I truly understand my parent’s sacrifices. I also learned to accept their shortcomings as well as my own. After all, there is no manual which tells us how to be good parents. I think if we spend more time than money on them, give them guidance without stunting their emotional growth, and finding some balance in their daily lives., we have done well. It is important to find balance as husband and wife as well. Your kids learn by what they see, not by what you say always. Motherhood has presented many challenges, some disappointments and many rewards. I will be posting some stories from time to time about raising boys. Though I am no authority on the matter, I have used humor and my own mother’s wisdom along the way to cope the challenges on being a mother.