100 Women Share their thoughts on Children

Mother’s Day is coming!

The church I grew up in celebrated Mother’s Day by inviting all the women of the church to the annual “All Daughter’s Banquet”. What a wonderful way to include everyone, and make every woman feel special. Each year, more than 200 women gathered and brought their mothers, grandmothers, daughters, nieces and friends. What fun it was to have a reunion with these lovely people.

The evening began with a punch bowl and finger food. One year, someone brought their Polaroid camera so we were able to take photos and insert them in a decorated frame for everyone. Then we had a special dinner, that the men helped prepare. (They also ran the dishwasher afterwards.)

It was a big honor to serve on the banquet committee, and quite a commitment, too. I began my All-Daughters career as a server, carrying plates of food, refilling beverage glasses, and the best part- presenting the special dessert. Then, I moved up to to small performances. I read a scripture one year; a Mother’s Day poem the next. I appeared in a play.

In a few years I made it to a chairperson status- I was in charge of the entire after dinner entertainment. I thought and thought- the program was a highlight of the evening. We’d had our fill of talent shows and fashion shows; I searched for something special.  Finally, a friend told me that her father was in a harmonica orchestra. I decided to give them a try. Over thirty performers showed up, with harmonicas teeny to giant and entertained us with the old standards. What fun and what lovely memories!

While we are all daughters, many of us are also mothers. 

In our social media age, we can read blog after blog, and see post after post about the joys and challenges of being a mother. We can learn how to be a better mother. We can commiserate with other mothers when we a hectic moment gets the best of us.

A few weeks ago, I shared a marvelous book with you, Collecting Conversations- 100 women sharing everyday thoughts. Let’s see what these women have to say about children. And I will share my thoughts, too. In the book, the question about children was number 6. The author, Sam Bunch, introduced the question, “Children are a true polarity in life.. a blessing…an amazing experience. But they are also exhausting, a huge responsibility and a cause for worry. Then she asked,

What Do You Think About Children?

Women of various ages answered.

The 30’s. 

I thought I’d have two and I ended up with six. They are my life and soul…if I didn’t have them I wouldn’t be able to breathe.

My Kids have made me become the real me.

The 40’s.

I was a subconscious box-ticker with a five year plan until I had children- that sorted that nonsense out.

The best thing I ever did in my life. I didn’t mind if I didn’t have a life partner- I wanted kids. It feels so much better to have a hug.

The 50’s.

I wish I knew then what I know now, then I would have enjoyed them when they were little.

I’m happy I had kids. I wasn’t maternal. I ran out of the pill and got pregnant.

The 60’s.

I’d love to bring my son and daughter together; they don’t talk and haven’t for ten years.

No one should deprive themselves from being a mum.

The 70’s.

My children are my prime motivation in life.

I enjoy the presence of youth and the joy we get from our younger generation.

The 80’s.

What would the world be without babies?

I’m glad I had my two girls although I would have liked a boy, too.

The 90’s.

I have loved having my four children.

Here’s how I would answer the question.

In my 20’s, I was going to school and having fun as a newlywed. In my 30’s, I woke up one day and wanted to have kids. My baby quest required some prayers, and God sent us two boys, the best in the world.  Babies and little kids are so smart and energetic. They become real people so fast. You rock them to sleep and tuck them in each night and before you know it, they’ve jumped out of their crib on their own in the morning and they’re building a cardboard box pop machine and a paper-mache volcano, and tearing off on their trikes and bikes before you’ve packed away the baby clothes.

In my 40’s, I loved seeing their interests blossom- the small animal phase, sports, singing, computers. It amazed me that they had so many definite wants and desires. Many, many, wants and desires. They were ready to leave the nest by the time they were 8, but I held on to them until college. By my 50’s they had flown way ahead of me. I marveled at the contrails they left in my life.

Now, as I enjoy my 60’s, I love them so much! We can talk about real things! Who needs Siri or Aexa? They know everything! The newest restaurants, the coolest cocktails, politics, electric cars, the best shows to binge-watch, charcoal  versus gas grills, recipes and why I need a hood over my stove, and how things work, from guns to Facebook.

And so my answer would be- It’s been a delight to have kids! I love books, and I love movies and TV and Broadway shows, but nothing can top having these two fabulous people in my life! And if there were crazy days, I don’t remember them.

Happy Mother’s Day! How would you answer the question?