Musings - My True Identity

Sometime in the harsh year of adjustment after my third child was born, I came to a profound realization. "I am a Mom and that is all I can be right now!" Prior to the the third child, I had been able to fulfill my responsibilities as a mother while dabbling in other pursuits. However, I realized that with three young children under the age of five, my life didn't include time for much else. Over the past few years with the birth of two more children, my identity has evolved. As a mother of five active, curious, creative children my life is busy and focused, but I am not "just a Mom".

I am a SAHM, but I don't think the acronym does the job justice. I am a STAY AT HOME MOTHER. I deserve to have it spelled out! I once read an article stating that if a Stay at Home Mom were to be paid for the many jobs she does, her salary would be in the high six-figures. I loved hearing that! So, I am not just a "Mom"! I am the obvious: a daycare, a teacher, a tutor, and a chauffeur. But, I am also an accountant, and a bank (to my children). I am a chef, a baker, and a personal shopper. I am a launderer and a dry cleaner. I am a counselor, a coach, a cheerleader, and most often a referee. I am a home decorator and an organizer. I am a historian. I am a nurse. I am pest control. I am a funeral director (most recently for a small pet lizard). I am a secretary, a time manager, a receptionist. I am a music instructor. I am a dietitian and my own personal trainer (because I have no time for the gym). I am a gardener, a janitor, and a seamstress. I volunteer at the school, in my community, and in my church. But most importantly I am a home builder.

When I was expecting my oldest child, I had just graduated with a bachelors degree in Business and was offered an interview with a large accounting firm. I explained that the baby would be born soon and when that happened I would be staying at home with him. In response, I was told that it was a tragedy that I would be at home "wasting my brain." Almost ten years later, I can assure you that I have not been wasting my brain. Being a mother requires creativity, resourcefulness, patience, and ingenuity. I have studied countless topics. Some because of personal interest and some out of desperation. I love being a Mom. I love my kids. I love that at this time in my life, my time belongs to our family.

Do those I serve realize that they live with "Supermom"? My husband does. My kids don't. But I think part of being Supermom is that no one really knows your true identity. I think there are superheroes all around us and we don't even know it. There's a necessary humility that comes with being a superhero. A knowledge of your true power, but willingness to be under-appreciated. I am "Supermom" and under my normal, sometimes wrinkled, everyday clothes that are often covered with greasy fingerprints and boogers, you might find some bright colored spandex and a cape waiting to burst out. Who knows?