Mary Ann Hayes

I’ve had my hands full lately, helping out friends and family in different ways. It got me thinking about the old saying that a mothers job is never done and how true it is. I’ve spent a lot of time wanting to be done over the years yet there never seams to be an end to it.

Looking back, I realize just about the time I thought I’d get some sleep, the baby’s cry would cancel that! Just about the time I’d gotten kids down for the night, one of them would need a glass of water, have a nightmare, throw up, wet the bed, or cough all night. Just about the time I thought I was done, I found myself waiting up until curfew, doing the mom breathalyzer test, checking the mileage on the car and worrying to death that they might make the wrong choices. Just about the time I thought I was done, I became a wedding planner for the most important day of their lives, responsible for the memory they would carry with them forever.

Just about the time I thought I was done, I found myself wanting every holiday to be the best one yet, every family gathering to be the most fun ever, and all the food to be incredible.  Just about the time I thought I was done, I find myself advising, consoling, sympathizing, nurturing and loving more than before.

Just about the time I thought I was done, I discovered I’m not even close. Thank God! Why did I ever think I really wanted to be? I look forward to every opportunity to be involved in the lives of those I love. I look forward to grand kids and puppies and holidays that take two days to cook for. I look forward to every birthday no matter how tough it is to find time to celebrate. I look forward to complaining about how busy I’ve been!

Wouldn’t it be sad if we were ever really done?

Later,

Mary Ann