A Tribute to Young Mothers

My office window looks onto a park and the playground is roughly 100 feet from our house. As a result, on sunny days we can hear young children playing -- a truly joyful sound. We bought this house 30+ years ago largely because of that playground. At the time the girls were five and two-and-a-half. It proved to be the perfect gathering place for young moms and preschool children. We met neighbors and made good friendships at the playground. I'm still so glad it is there.

Last night at dusk -- the end of several overcast and damp days -- I looked out and noticed a stroller at the playground. A young mom was there watching her young person play on the slide and climbing equipment. I was a bit surprised, then remembered how it felt when a little one has been confined to the house for too many days. I'm guessing she needed a few minutes of fresh air action to settle him/her (it's hard to tell when they are all bundled up) for supper and bedtime.

It's early yet, but today looks sunnier and I expect young parents and not-so-young grandparents will be out enjoying that sunshine later in the day. Raising children isn't easy. You don't always do things quite the way you had planned and the outcome is not guaranteed. It's the best and most important job in the world, however. Mom's (and child-caring dads) definitely have executive qualities. They have to plan ahead, think creatively, and always have a Plan B -- and C, D, etc. They have to have patience and faith. They don't get raises or promotions if they do a good job.

Sometimes I think that if I had just worked all of the time at a paying job I would be far more financially secure. I would not, however, be richer. I'm lucky to be blessed with amazing grown children. I have friends who were probably better parents than I was who are not so fortunate.

Here is to the moms and dads who go out in the cold to take the children to the playground, who attend games and recitals, who act as tot-taxis, who are there when the school/team/youth organization needs them. Whose rewards tend to be sticky. I think it is much harder now than when my girls were growing up. Hang in there guys. The future of our world depends on you.

PS. As I finish this I begin to hear happy screams. There is a father (grandfather?) out there pushing two children -- about 3 or 4 I think -- on the swings. It really is cool to live next to a playground!