Dear IF readers,

I have found great solace, and comfort and energy from other mothers as I trudge this journey of parenting all the way up the mountain to victory. And the prize? Happy, healthy, compassionate, socially adjusted, generous-hearted children that have mastered their own magical skills ready to contribute to the universe and live fulfilled lives. Yes, hopefully something like that.

I really do not want to sound terribly dramatic, but it would please me some day if Moms had a parade similar to the ones we give soldiers of war. There is a war fought everyday on the homefronts - physical and mental illness, poverty, violence and I believe we women do a great deal to keep the home fires burning steady for everyone. We bandage the injured, give hope to the sick and suffering, put up the Christmas tree even if its 2 feet tall and we can’t afford presents that year, we get up many days over and over and over again, to get the family up and going and make sure that everyone comes home at night safe and accounted for. We are the soldiers and the peacemakers that keep the lights on, the beds dry and the food warm.

Until the day of the parade, I walk with each of my fellow veterans of this homefront crusade very proud to stand in your great ranks. There are many days where I have pulled a 24/7 times 6 years and I think “when is this tour of duty over, when can I rest?” and I see another of my dear comrades walking towards me in the grocery aisle, her basket filled with even more screaming children than mine, someone in her cart is throwing a fit and saying “I don’t like you Mommy, you won’t buy me candy”, and we smile at one another. That smile lasts me the rest of the night. Because I know if she can take it, so can I. I will stand on the wall again another night. Because I know she is standing on hers.

Thank you dear mamas for the strength and courage you share with me, Cat Wayland

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