The Tides of Motherhood

“Never turn your back on the ocean.” It’s a phrase my dad uttered every summer as we raced towards the Maryland shores that we waited eight long hours in the car to visit. While those words still ring in my head today (and even leave my lips every now and then), I find it fitting for motherhood. The unpredictability of the waves can parallel the tantrums of a toddler, while the ebb and flow can mimic the transition from preschooler to big kid: Gentle enough to remind you of its peaceful nature, yet forceful enough to bring a reality check at the very second you let your guard down.

On our most recent vacation (and I use that word loosely with a five- and two-and-a-half-year-old), I had the rare moment to just sit and stare at the vast body of water in front of me. I gave my kiddos the challenge to bury my feet in the sand so I could relax a little without the fear of the ocean sweeping them away. As I strained my eyes to see the lone sail of a boat upon the horizon, I wondered how many people were sailing on that vessel. Was the ocean kind to them that day? Did the speed of the wind favor their sailing goals? If it was only one individual, was he/she lonely on the expedition, or elated to welcome the open sea and unaccompanied time? It became clear to me at that point, feet buried and all, that motherhood is all that the ocean encompasses: times of loneliness and times of fear; stormy weather and sunny days; seasons that cause destruction and moments of relaxed peace. As mothers, we experience emotions from one extreme to the next—sometimes within the same hour (it is summertime, after all). I know there have been days when I felt as though my journey and that lone sailboat’s were one in the same, while other days found me surrounded by fellow sailors in the yacht’s harbor.

The face of isolation in motherhood can look like another all-nighter, with a newborn who refuses to sleep, a biting habit in your toddler that keeps you from playground dates, or the lack of a support system for your tired and weary soul. Much like that sailboat on the horizon, stillness and emptiness may be guiding your vessel with no end in sight. You ride the waves and pray for the season to change (as everyone assures you of said change), trusting your instincts and every parenting book you received from those who entered the club before you. You pray for another passing ship to nod in solidarity, or for a crew member to hop aboard and take the wheel for a while. One of the most amazing aspects of motherhood lies in the fact that someone has been in your deck shoes before, and will most likely offer advice or a shoulder when you need it most. In turn, you will most likely notice when a fellow parent needs to be pulled in to shore, and when she needs to sail alone.

Thanks to motherhood, our awareness of others’ needs is heightened, allowing us to throw out a net to a struggling mother, feed and comfort a friend who yearns for nothing more than to be in our place, or simply listen to the stories from the mothers who have decades of experience on us. Just as an all-inclusive resort offers everything you need, want, and more from one package, so does motherhood.

Before you know it, the surf has subsided: the nocturnal baby is now sleeping through the night, while your toddler has moved on to bigger and better things post-biting. The first born whom you swear JUST learned to write her name is now reading independently and preparing for a full day’s work in school come fall. You are on top of the wave now, feeling the gentle roll and ripple effect of harmony. Both paddles are in the water, primed for the change in the currents of raising littles. Your legs stretch to find the steady sand beneath you as you stand tall with the knowledge that motherhood is a constant force that pulls you emotionally and physically. The ups and downs of each childhood phase will balance out as you became more proficient in navigating the seas of parenthood. The stormy seasons of mothering serve as a reminder to look forward at all times, no matter the size of the swell (or tantrum) in front of you.

As I write these words, I have one child engaged in a puzzle while another naps. What a far cry this moment is from the day before, when sibling arguments, too much pool time, and overall exhaustion from the summer sun took a tool on our home. Despite my wave acting strong and fierce yesterday, today’s tide chart is cool, calm, and collected. Mother Nature and motherhood tell me this weather is temporary. We will be on a different weather pattern tomorrow and the next day and the next after that. In the time that I’ve learned to “never turn my back on the ocean,” I’ve experienced the change of the tides from all angles of this wonderful voyage called motherhood.

Kathy
I’m a native Pittsburgher through and through, but transplanted to Texas with my superhero cape to teach elementary school. I am a proud Mama to a spirited girl (2011) and a laid back boy (2014) who keep my days full of laughter, Legos, books, and more stuffed animals than should be allowed. As a stay-at-home Mama, I am constantly yearning for new ways to engage their minds, hands, and bodies with the city and community around them, while stealing a run and a cup of coffee or two. I can be found at the local library for storytime; the park for an afternoon swing; either of their schools to lend a helping hand; and/or the local splash pad to escape the heat. I’m not hard to miss due to the donning of Steelers gear in the fall and Penguins attire in the spring. I welcome and thrive on new conversations, friendships, and methods of rearing little humans. Favorite Restaurant: Paloma Blanca Favorite Landmark: Any of the Missions around San Antonio Favorite San Antonio Tradition: It's a tie between The Texas Cavaliers River Parade and The Battle of Flowers Parade, both occurring during Fiesta. Viva!

3 COMMENTS

  1. What a lovely piece to describe the infinite beauty of mothering. I could feel the positive ions from the ocean as I rode the waves you described.

  2. Man, this is so true! Some days with my toddler are amazing; she listens and follows directions, plays nicely with other kids, learns 282 new things, and hugs me all day long. Literally 8 hours later, she’ll wake up and decide to make the entire next day miserable for everyone, including herself. There are tears, tantrums, not listening to anything but the movie in front of her, and refusing to eat anything but ranch dressing. :\ But you’re right – I tell myself it’s a day, it’s a season, it could change any second, and things are bound to start looking up again soon. Thank God for the encouragement of other parents who have been there too!

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