Friday, July 10, 2009

Real Moms Redux

I wrote this quite some time ago, but I'm replaying it today because honestly...I like it still. Hope you do too.

I originally wrote this post back in the day of memes in response to Queen of the Mayhem and Janet a.k.a. Wonder Mom. The task was to describe a real mom.

Those two women each hit the mark dead on with their posts, and I wasn't sure what I was going to be able to add. Looking back on on it and the time that has passed since I wrote it I am so grateful for the relationships I've developed with so many amazing real moms I've met through blogging and other social networks. Through their stories, they have reaffirmed my belief that the following is absolutely true.


Real moms? You want to know the ugly truth? Our deepest, darkest secret?

We have NO shame.

Sure real moms look around the table at a work meeting and secretly want to look like the single fashionistas, but they'll wear an outfit from Target if it means their chilren get the birthday present of their dreams or a memorable vacation.

Real moms gag at the smell of vomit, but they'll go to the pharmacy with it in their hair when their toddler is running a fever and can't keep anything down.

Real moms will clean toilets at a bar if it means their family has food on the table.

Real moms will exhaust themselves raising kids by themselves rather than modeling a "normal" relationship as loveless or violent.

Real moms might try to have children naturally, but they'll love the ones they get with every fiber of their being regardless of any genetic relationship.

You can try every trick you have to put down a real mom, but it ain't gonna phase her. When it comes to her family there isn't anything she wouldn't do.

You want to demean her? You want to degrade her? You want to make her invisible? You want to treat her as less than equal?

Fine. As long as you're willing to be met with the ferocity of tiger. Because a real mom will battle to the death to protect her family and provide a safe and loving environment in which her children can grow up to be healthy and happy.

Oh, and she'll have an army of Target clothes-wearing, toilet brush-holding, vomit spewn-haired women standing behind her to take you on. Because that's what real moms do.

14 Deserve Mamma's Love:

Lala said...

sweet.

Lumpyheadsmom said...

MWAH. (That was wet, and slobbery, and I love you too. Hand me that toilet brush.)

Julie Pippert said...

Awwwwwww

Love right back atcha, and what's more, big kudos of admiration for writing so beautifully about this state of motherhood. I can't ever seem to explain to the skeptical about WHY this is such a work of love, but there it is: it is. And now I'll just point them to you.

KC said...

I like it too!

Mrs. Flinger said...

Not only do I still like it I remember reading it before.

It's just as purty and heart warming and fucking awesome.

This is my favorite, "Real moms might try to have children naturally, but they'll love the ones they get with every fiber of their being regardless of any genetic relationship"

So are you. (Dude, like two weeks and we get to take more pictures of ourselves! TOGETHER! WOO!)

OneZenMom said...

Love this.

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah said...

Damn straight.

Pgoodness said...

perfect!!

PunditMom said...

Yup. That's us. And if anyone wants to take me on about my wardrobe from Target, they can bring it -- cuz I'll win!

flutter said...

damned straight, babe.

Kimberly said...

Love YOU girl. MWAH!!!! xoxo

Mocha said...

Wow, it's just like you were looking right at me and how crappy I look and feel as a mom. Which, of course, makes me immensely happy.

Dang. Can't wait to see you again. I promise to do something memorable. I'll be thinking about exactly what that should be.

Mom O Matic said...

Well said, love you for writing this and being you!

Kevin Charnas said...

Would you believe that just dampened my eyes?

Well, it did.

And now, I'm going to go call my mom.