An unexpected joy...

When Little Dude was born, I considered myself lucky in many ways. I was blessed with an angel. I felt fulfilled. And best of all, I could choose whether to stay at home with him or go back to work. I know that every mother doesn't have that choice. Most women are compelled to return to work, leaving their infants behind, because of financial needs and maternity laws that need to be more accommodating. Many of them are single parents. 

That's why I think I was lucky. I can't say I actively made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom, but it seemed to happen by itself, as time went by. I was as ambitious as any other working woman, but nothing prepared me for the change that motherhood brought. It was almost spiritual, in a way. Having achieved a fair level of success at work, I didn't feel that I needed to prove myself professionally. My vision became limited to my child, and giving him every bit of love and happiness that I could. 

It was a little unexpected, feeling this way. Even when I was pregnant, I had thoughts of returning to work when Little Dude would be one. Hah! It didn't take me even one week to realise  that I wasn't going back any time soon. Becoming a stay-at-home mom became the best decision I ever made. Since then, I have come to respect people like my mother, who gave all her time to us (and still does) to us. It's not easy being at home and having to be on your toes every minute. But I also have only admiration for working mothers, who somehow, manage to raise children while building a career. It's not easy either way, but I can only write of my experience.

I treasure each day I have spent with my son these past two and a half years. This is true even of the most trying days, because at least I was the one comforting him when he wasn't in the best of moods. Sleep deprived I still am, but I know that I don't have to rush to work in the morning, and that sort of makes it bearable. I remember every little thing about him growing up, and how he came to acquire his habits and mannerisms. I know him inside out, even though he is still so little. I had a rewarding career before I became a mother, but now I have a goal, a passion to be the best parent I can be. To be the arms he can always run into whenever he needs me. 

I know that every mother cannot be expected to feel this way - to feel fulfilled only by parental duties. They probably have skills and talents that remain unused, and I can imagine how that feels. Luckily for me, my job was mainly about writing (I was a reporter), so I have found an outlet for my other passion in blogging.

Now that Little Dude is at an age where we can do activities together, I am happy to be there for him. I know that there will come a time when he won't want my company anymore, but at least I'll know that I did the best I could when did need me the most.

This post has been written for Finish The Sentence Friday. 

It's also been linked to Post Comment Love.