What makes a mum?

Every so often, I encounter some mention of the idea of a "supermom" - someone who manages to have this amazing and spectacular life, while neatly managing the lives of her children.  "Supermom" often works full time, takes children to various organized extracurricular activities, volunteers with various organizations, keeps house and home spectacular and organized, and still manages to have time to go to her fitness class and have a day at the spa.  Although I am certain you are out there, supermoms, I am not among you.  In fact, I hope never to achieve this status, if the preceding description is the expectation.  We all have different ideas of what it means to parent our children, and every mum strives to give her child the best opportunities; yet, we differ in our opinions of what is best, and in the actions that shape our lives, and the lives of our families.  

For some, it is essential to maintain an individual identity, and organize their lives to the minutest detail, and for some this works.  My ideal is different.  I wonder, when does supermom have time to watch her child discover the beauty in a fallen leaf, or feel the fall breeze on her face cycling with her little one in the November rain.  I used to think that I wanted to be supermom, but then my son was born.  Suddenly, I had no desire to return to work, my graduate studies shifted focus to family and parenting, from schooling and educational practices.  Why would I want to put my child in someone else's care, when I could enjoy that time myself?  I admit, there are many mums who believe I am completely crazy, mine included, but I have found some kindred spirits.  Hippy Hubby fully supports my desire to raise my own children as I enjoy the early years of their life with them, and I wish that everyone could experience what I have.

Somehow, I was blessed with the opportunity to be available for my family, and the passion to want to do so.  I love the fact that I can watch Hippy Son grow, and not miss anything because of other commitments.  My ideal is to somehow be present in the lives of my children, and I hope that is enough.