Welcome to the third post in the special Bloggers on Motherhood series. Today I’m honored to have Sheri from Donuts, Dresses and Dirt.
What surprised you about motherhood?
I’m always amazed at the seemingly endless reserve I have for addressing my children’s problems, advocating (sometimes fighting) for their needs and rights, and coming up with whatever words I need to “make things better”. I could have never guessed at the amount of ingenuity I can often seemingly pull out of thin air at times, to address a problem my kids are having or to go to bat for them – and win almost every time. It’s also the thing I’m most proud of about being a mom.
What is one of your favorite memories about your mother?
Not surprisingly, my favorite memory about my mom (who, lucky for me, is still with me) is what so surprised me about myself. There was (and STILL is) never a time when my mom was unable to find the words to make me feel better or help me solve a problem. She has always been my “go-to” person, helping me sort through the fog I sometimes experience when life gets overwhelming. And at all of the lowest points in my life she has been there to provide me with comfort, intelligence, and plan of action to help me move forward.
What is one of your favorite things about being a mother?
Of course I love the joy and privilege of being part of a life right from the very beginning. With 3 children ranging in ages from almost 21 down to 3, I’ve been able to have a perspective on parenting that most people don’t get. And it makes me cherish each moment in a way I couldn’t have done the first 2 times. I’d say my favorite thing of all is the feeling of attachment and unconditional love that I feel from my children. It has given me strength, support and such unbelievable happiness. Through mothering my children I have grown as a person too – and experienced a richness of life that I am grateful for every day.
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Sheri is the mother of Chelsea (20), Conor (15), and Noah (3). I love lots of things about Donuts, Dresses and Dirt, but especially Sheri’s writing on parenting and her urban adventures with Noah.