I’m participating in a “Letters to our Children” blog circle with a fantastic group of photographer mothers. Each month we write a letter to one of our children, accompanied by our photography. At the end of each letter, you will find a link to connect you to another member in the circle, which you can follow around until you make it back here. This month I’m writing to all 3 of my children.
Dear Avery, Morgan & Bennett,
Hi guys. It’s Mama. We have a lot of changes in our house this month! I can hardly believe that my 6+ month maternity leave is over and I’ve returned to work. You see, before I became a photographer and your mother, I had another job. One that I actually really like on most days of the week. It’s a job that I went to school for many years for, and in fact, your father and I met when we were both in graduate school. I get to help people who really need help being healthier or feeling better. This brings me joy and makes me feel useful. This may come as a surprise to you (or not), but I have never desired to be a stay-at-home mom. One reason is that the concept is pretty foreign to me. Growing up, everyone I knew had two parents who both worked. I literally knew no one with a stay-at-home parent. So I always imagined that I would grow up, go to college, and get a job. It wasn’t until I was college-aged that I met friends who had stay-at-home parents (mostly moms). This really blew my mind!!!
Anyway, I’m so thankful that I have a career and job (in addition to photography!) that I find fulfilling and rewarding. It’s what I did for many years before you guys were born, and it’s what I plan to do even after you leave the house for college. I’m also super thankful that this job allowed me to have nice long maternity leaves with all of you. I’m so thankful for the time we had together while you guys were so little. And while change can be hard on everyone, I don’t wish that I could stay home forever.
What I’m really so thankful for is that I have a choice. I’m not choosing work over you guys. I’m choosing to return to work because I believe it makes me the best mom I can be to the three of you. I really love you guys, but honestly, I think I’d be yelling my bloody head off waaaay too much if I was home all the time. 😉
My wish for the three of you is that you work hard in school and in life so that you will have every opportunity available to you, whether it is to have a busy career or to stay at home with your kids. Get to know yourself and what will make you happy (it’s taken me years), be true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to make those tough choices to do what’s right for you and your family.
Love you lots,
Mama
Now head over to my friend Kristy Dooley’s blog to read her letter to her sweet little girl this month. Follow the circle until you end up back here!
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