Being a working mother.....

I write this letter to my 3 adult children and in turn, to all the young professional moms that I see struggling to make it all happen for themselves and their families......I see you! Happy mothers Day to all of us loving our job and our babes!

When you are a mom and have a career, you are always wondering if you can do them both justice. It tears at your heartstrings. I was so afraid of missing something important in your lives. I often worried your Halloween costumes would not be homemade or cool enough. I was worried I would not be there for your first steps, first words, a dance, an awards ceremony……What I learned was: ·??????? By going to work, my bucket was filled so I could have enough to pour into yours ·?By inviting others into your world, like grandparents and nannies to make home-made Halloween costumes and teach you to stand-up to bullies, it only added to the village of people that got to love you and you to love. You benefited from other people’s perspectives that you never would have benefited from if they did not help raise you. AND, the three of you are cherished gifts I got to share with others. Their help did not make me less of a mom. I rarely missed anything. I had to work a little harder and sometimes sleep a little less, but I was there. Every Halloween party, every Prom, every awards ceremony. And if I did miss a moment, I came to terms with it because me and my career are important too. It is important to our family and the lifestyle is has blessed us with. What I learned from being your mom helps me everyday be a better people leader. The skills are transferable. People at work want to know how to get the ‘A’ in their jobs, they want rules and boundaries like curfews and classes. They need to work well with others to get the job done. They need to be nurtured, cherished and celebrated. All things we know about kids and parenting. Being a mom makes me a better leader.There is so much more I could say that I have learned....But mostly……I want you to know you are, and always will be, my first priority. I wanted the 3 of you more than anything I have ever wanted in my life. You are the very best decision I have ever made.I don’t expect you to follow my footsteps but I am proud you have the courage to be you. Ben, Cali and Adam I am proud that you are working hard jobs, real jobs..... when you could take an easier route. Proud it’s at things you have found a passion around. I hope you enjoy this phase of your lives. The clarity will come. You should be proud of yourselves too! I love you – Mom