I have quietly been keeping up with the life of an old family friend of mine through her blog (and now website). I've witnessed her trials and tribulations, her successes and difficulties. As I've done so, I've gained so much. Through her experiences and lessons, I've learned to be more patient with myself. I've learned that it's ok to have those "lose control of myself" moments as long as I take a few moments later to reflect and learn from them. I've found an avenue of silent support. I appreciate the stories that she shares. I appreciate her sharing herself and her family's vulnerabilities to help others. It is a remarkable thing.
Within the historical perspectives class-American Motherhood, we have focused on motherhood as it has progressed over the years. In one of the units we discussed how important it is for mothers to have support and how without it, a mother's love can be conflicted, painful and even fatal. Part of that discussion was, where do we find support if those around us aren't filling that role? The blogoshpere was mentioned. I immediately thouht of her blog and the courage and wisdom it has brought to me. With that, I thought a thank you was overdue. So, I wrote her a letter saying, among other things, "thank you for putting yourself out there. I am certain I am not the only one who is inspired and encouraged by your words."
I thanked her for being a part of my support system, even if she didn't realize she was.
I am inspired by her and the many woman who comment on her posts. I am in awe of her courage and faith. All mother's need support and we find it wherever we can. Michelle O'Neil has provided me with support for years and she didn't even know it until today. Her stories are truly inspiring and continue to give me hope that I too can be the best mom I can be. Her stories invoke optimism and faith. She gives me strength. All mother's need a Michelle O'Neil. I hope you've found yours.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mom to State: Butt Out!
Recently, I saw an article posted on a friend’s face book page titled, State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids . Upon reading the article, I was instantly outraged. “Really?”, I asked over and over in my mind as I was reading. You see, the Michigan Department of Human Services has decided that a mother agreeing to watch her neighbor’s kids for about an hour or so in the morning before the bus arrived would “be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers.” As if being a good neighbor, helping out another mom is a crime that should be punished? I must ask the question again, really? Being a working mother is difficult enough without the added pressure the state wants to put on you and your support system.
At what point will societies give moms a break-- both the "stay-at-home" working mom and the "outside-the-home" working mom?
Knowing our kids are safe and get to school safe is a big deal. Having a neighbor kind enough to ensure that it happens so that you have peace of mind is a big deal. The fact that she does it for about an hour each morning should only be a big deal (in a good way) for her and her neighbors--not a big deal (in a bad way) to the state or the lawmakers. A little common sense will tell you the intent of the law they say she is breaking was not meant for her.
Give a mom a break--she's helping to raise the leaders of the future. Do you really need to pick on her? As mom I say stop. Stop picking on the moms in the world who are trying to do the right thing. Stop picking on the mom who is paying attention to her child’s needs and the needs of others. Stop saying no to the mom who is doing society a great service by ensuring that children are safe, rather than out on the streets doing whatever it is unsupervised kids do for about an hour each morning. Stop butting into a situation that clearly was not meant to be included in your day care laws. Common sense goes a long way. Michigan Department of Human Services--If you use a little common sense you would back off and allow this mom to continue with what she's doing. In other words, butt out!
At what point will societies give moms a break-- both the "stay-at-home" working mom and the "outside-the-home" working mom?
Knowing our kids are safe and get to school safe is a big deal. Having a neighbor kind enough to ensure that it happens so that you have peace of mind is a big deal. The fact that she does it for about an hour each morning should only be a big deal (in a good way) for her and her neighbors--not a big deal (in a bad way) to the state or the lawmakers. A little common sense will tell you the intent of the law they say she is breaking was not meant for her.
Give a mom a break--she's helping to raise the leaders of the future. Do you really need to pick on her? As mom I say stop. Stop picking on the moms in the world who are trying to do the right thing. Stop picking on the mom who is paying attention to her child’s needs and the needs of others. Stop saying no to the mom who is doing society a great service by ensuring that children are safe, rather than out on the streets doing whatever it is unsupervised kids do for about an hour each morning. Stop butting into a situation that clearly was not meant to be included in your day care laws. Common sense goes a long way. Michigan Department of Human Services--If you use a little common sense you would back off and allow this mom to continue with what she's doing. In other words, butt out!
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