Well, if we were in sports or a school club or even a part of a large company, there would likely be a banquet or something where we all got together to celebrate our year’s success. We would talk about our greatest moments and discuss how we could improve moving forward. There might be a catered dinner. There would likely be at least a desert bar. But there would definitely be awards.
While parenthood makes up one of the largest groups on the planet (even though we are rarely united on anything), I would like to take a moment to pass out a few end of the year awards. Yes, each of you deserve a medal. You each deserve to be recognized for all of your moments of great success and even more so for your continued endurance. But there are a few that are on my heart to recognize – some that often go overlooked.
It might not be as glamorous as some awards banquets, but parenthood rarely is… amiright? SO without further ado, (Yes that’s the correct spelling. I Googled it)… Some honorable mentions.
1.) To the mom who went to bed but never got to sleep. Who was constantly shaken by tiny hands who had bad dreams. Who finally got one kid back in their bed when the baby woke up hungry. Who finally closed her eyes just before the alarm went off, but will get up and keep going – because she is that awesome. Way to go, momma. You are an inspiration to us all!
2.) To the mom with the extra undies in her purse. You knew that one day you would need them. And while you have carried them out the door the last 45 times that you left your house, you knew that a day would come when you would be glad that they were with you. And on trip number 46 – you were right. Here’s to always being prepared, and carrying a large purse.
3.) To the dad who made it in time. It might have been the first soccer game, or the last few minutes of the band concert, or even just in time to kiss them on their heads before they drifted off to sleep. You were there. You made it. You reminded them with your presence that they were important. While you might not be able to make it every time, this one is for the moments that you did. They matter the most.
4.) To this year’s new mommies. This is for all of the moments that you got right, and those you didn’t. This is for all of the nights you stayed awake just to make sure the baby was breathing. This is for the moments when you were unsure of yourself, but you kept going anyway. This is for the grace that you have displayed as you began this terrifying and yet awesome new adventure. You are doing a beautiful job.
5.) To the everywhere mommas. This is for all of the time that you have spent in your SUV, school PTA meetings, dance class lobbies, or soccer sidelines, while managing to do the rest of “it all” too. You do it because you love them. You know it. I know it, and most importantly – they know it too. Your endurance to keep going when you really just want to sit on that couch covered in laundry is commendable!
6.) To the dad doing it alone. You handle little hearts with tenderness and strength while fulfilling both roles of momma and daddy. While you might not have planned on being in the running for this award, you are doing an amazing job. You often go overlooked, but your hard work and dedication to your family deserves to be acknowledged and praised.
7.) And to the momma doing it alone. You are also an inspiration to us all. You handle work and home and small hearts with grace and dignity all while providing for your little ones the security of having a family. Your work does not go unseen either. Your heart does not go unheard. You are a hero as well, and we honor you.
8.) To the husband and wife who haven’t said more than “hi” to each other in weeks, but somehow keep making it work. You handle babies and jobs and house work and homework, and often there doesn’t seem to be any time left for each other. But month after month, and year after year, you keep finding a way to connect. You keep choosing each other. You keep saying, “Yes. We are going to make it.” This award is for you. Because someday, the kids will be grown and gone, and all you will have left is each other. Here is to your dedication to remember this now.
9.) And to the soon to be mommas and daddies who have gone another year hanging onto hope. Who believe that their someday will come soon enough. And who haven’t given up the faith to believe for a family of their own. Your perseverance is unmatchable, and your grace astounding. We are all believing with you!
10.) And to the mommies and daddies all over the world, in every walk of life, on every continent – This is for giving selflessly of yourselves for your children. This is for realizing that there is no greater sacrifice and yet no greater honor than raising little ones. This is for all of the work that goes unseen, unheard, and unpraised. You are important. So so very important. And if no one has told you in a while, it’s my honor to remind you that what you do… matters. And if I could, I would give you each the recognition that you deserve.
Happy New Year, Friends! Here’s to new adventures in 2015!
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