At least once a day, I get an e-mail from a reader that goes something like this:
Hi Young Mommy!
Thank you so much for writing this post. I totally relate to your posts. I thought I was the only one who felt like motherhood snuck up on me and took me hostage. I thought I was the only one who got overwhelmed and wondered why motherhood seemed so much harder to me than it does to everyone else. Thanks for being there and understanding what we young mothers go through….
Of course I am touched my these e-mails and it gives me renewed strength to keep this community going.
But you know what? You are giving me something as well when you click onto this page and start reading. You let ME know that our experiences are important. When an older mom sneers at you for nothing more than daring to venture out in public with your crew, or your frustration that you want to get a better job – all those experiences count.
It sucks that so many people still equate “young mom” with “neglectful mom.” It irritates me when people make assumptions about my salary or if my kids live in the projects or if I’m still with their father (or if they were the product of a one-night stand, never mind the ring on my finger).
I’m almost 25 now, the age of the average first-time mom in the U.S. I look at my younger sister, who turns 22 next month and think, “I had a kid at her age??” And not just a kid – an almost two-year-old with another on the way!
I was handling my business and making things happen, never mind that most people regarded the baby in my belly as real of an obstacle as a shackle around my ankle.
But there were many, many, many days where I felt like I couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t reach my goals, that I would be stuck in jobs I didn’t want, that my kids would suffer because their mom was “eh.”
I have to give you most of the credit. You have always been there cheering me on and sharing your stories to keep me motivated. Thank you so much for being here, and for listening.
This is really sweet, Tara.
Like the others who have emailed you, I’m so thankful that I found this blog. Thank you for creating (and putting the time, energy and effort) into this amazing community. I *LOVE* it here! I was thinking about you just this weekend and I was like, “she’s such a role model for me… and I think she’s younger than me!” LOL. Now that I know your age, I can say it to you… Tara, I look up to you; and you ARE younger than me. I’ll be 27 in April.
I know I told you this before, but Lady, you’re a God-send!
xoxo
.-= alicia´s last blog ..Weekend Reads =-.
I’ve only started reading your blog this weekend, but I really do enjoy what you’re doing. Keep up the great work!
♥ SailorWifey
hey Lady! I have a blog award for you!
http://momdelicious.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-first-blog-award-versatile-blog.html
Enjoy!
.-= alicia´s last blog ..Weekend Reads =-.
I especially thank you Tara. I love that you share your stories with us. At times i felt like giving up, but i just come to your blog and read and then i begin to feel much better
Tara,
I love following your blog, and am grateful for other moms that open up and share their journeys. Sometimes motherhood can be a lonely adventure, and you need to feel validated that other people are experiencing the same feelings that you are. Thank you for being such an awesome mom!
Nicole
I am Tara’s 22 year old sister (hence the name Auntieof2 lol) and while I don’t say much (I usually just hang back and let you mothering ladies take the lead), I just wanted to say how proud I am of my sister for taking up this crusade and seeing it through. Her dedication is ridiculous. Motherhood is NEVER easy, whether you started at 15 or 45. All moms deserve respect and admiration from the public at large for doing the best they know how to bring productive citizens into this world. To know that I am not alone in supporting her, it’s a blessing. Thank you ladies.
-Auntieof2