79 Motherhood is HARD uncomfortable & overwhelming for all moms; how I survived my son's chemo.
May 13, 2018 I read this on a support group for parents of kids with brain tumors and It touched me, so I wanted to share.
“I know this isn't the journey you chose. The path you planned to take held so much less fear, pain and exhaustion, you envisioned so much more innocent joy, less anxiety, less hospital visits. You are all amazing, strong and courageous, full of love for your family. May you find happiness and strength in simple pleasures, enjoy the good days and take time to restore yourself. “
I think when precious babies are born new moms dream of a beautiful life ahead with only sunshine and rainbows and happy days. But everyone has their troubles and every life it’s challenges. Motherhood can be HARD- and it is ok to recognize that it is sometimes uncomfortable and overwhelming. We do not always know what to do. We often wish we could do more than we can. To my mom friends I hope you know this is normal and you are not alone in these feelings. You love your kids, and you do your best. That is all you can do. Please take today to think of the best parts of you & favorite joys of motherhood.
Please don’t let some imaginary idea of the “perfect” mother ever let you feel like less in comparison- because that image is not real. You do the best you can and that is enough & is wonderful in its own way.
Also, I had a huge eye opener this year. Life is short. We never know how long we get with our precious children. Please today when you are blessed to get some time with your kids give them an extra little hug & let them know you love them and are happy to be their mom.”
What is your favorite thing about being a parent? What is the biggest joy you find in parenting?
What is the hardest thing about parenting today? What is the aspect of parenting you did best today?
(pat yourself on the back for that win. Nobody is perfect)
This is just one of a hundred tools that helped me including:
A: BEFORE DIAGNOSIS
B: Diagnosis and PRE-SURGERY HOSPITAL STAY
C: SURGERY D: RECOVERY in patient
E: At home recovery F. CHEMO
70 I was terrified, and it went wonderfully …
71 life was unfair- understanding & compassion for another
72 EVERYONE HATES CHEMO -
73 Do not despair.
74 Unknowns in the future affect each of us differently.
75 The little surprise blessings make everything manageable.
76 Life is fragile. Create a special moment with a loved one.
77 We cannot be perfect; don’t push yourself past your limits.
78 Excitement about physical activity.
79 Motherhood: HARD uncomfortable and overwhelming.
80 What group could you join for support?
81 Wishes are magical things.
82 Refusing to acknowledge fear only creates more pain.
83 Remembering your best journey can be a nice distraction.
84 What dreams do you have for yourself?
85 hard to watch a little heart break.
86 Feelings can bring our needs to our attention.
87 Anticipating an upcoming trip can give us joy.
88 VIP treatment sure feels good, thank you Make-a-Wish.
89 Worry - listen to your fear and take steps to protect yourself.
90 The resilience of kids is just amazing.
91 Devote time to things that really matter to you.
92 We MAKE time for the things that are truly priorities.
93 Don’t let worry for the future rob TODAY of nice moments.
94 We have help and people on the sidelines cheering us on.
95 The good we throw out in the world always comes back to us.
96 A mom who cares and does her best (not perfection).
G. FAILING CHEMO H. WATCH AND WAIT
I. NEEDING NEW TREATMENT
J. END OF NEW TREATMENT / watch and wait
** Living life one day at a time.
Topics I have thought and talked a lot about over the last few years include:
#momguilt #PediatricBrainTumor #Neurofibramatosis
#Glioma #Astrocytoma #PilocyticAstrocytoma
#BrainTumor #OpticNerveGlioma #PediatricBrainSurgery
#NF1 #ParentingChronicIllness #watchandwait
#copingskills #ChildhoodCancer
#Carboplatin #Vincrystine
#nevergiveup #thereishope #PediatricBrainCancer