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On-The-Go Mom
Leigh Ratcliffe, California USA
I’m a mom of two children Dylan age 11 and Kevan age 7. I grew up in Bakersfield California and got my BS in Biology at UC Santa Barbara. I met my husband in college and after graduation we travelled and taught SCUBA classes. We returned to southern California in 2000. I quit my full-time biotech job after the birth of our daughter in 2005. My husband is a firefighter and I work part-time teaching fitness classes. In 2011, my husband and I adopted an 11-month-old boy. I enjoy camping, hiking, and anything outdoors, taking dance classes, going to the movies, and reading. I also dream about having a day where all I did was watch TV- heavenly!
Quote.
To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life. – James Thurber, From the movie Walter Mitty.
What I do well as a mom.
I treat each of my children as a unique person with individual strengths and weaknesses. After we adopted Kevan I realized that I did NOT have this mom thing down. What works for my daughter, Dylan, doesn’t always work for him. I don’t force my kids into the same mold. Instead, I allow them to discover their own sense of self.
What I learned from another mom.
I don’t have to like everything about being a mom; that it’s ok to speak up, share my frustrations, ask for help and also make time for myself.
Lesson I learned from my child.
When Dylan was born I quit my job and stayed at home. I had been so busy with work, training for races and hanging out with friends. Suddenly I was alone most of the time with nothing to do. Staying home with her forced me to slow down. I began to find joy in things I overlooked before like flowers and sunsets. I found meaning in everyday actions that I used to think were monotonous and boring.
Successful motherhood moment.
Teaching Kevan to read and write has been challenging. I have had many meetings with his school and with doctors. We have both cried many times over homework. This year he has finally started writing and reading without tears. He is also finding humor in the English language. One of the words Kevan is spelling these days is “b-u-t-t”. BUT he insists on teaching me the difference between BUT and BUTT. “Mom”, he says, pointing at himself “this is your b-u-t-t. Not your b-u-t.”
Mom I admire.
My son’s birthmother and foster mother. Despite her difficult decision, Kevan’s birth mother was gracious, kind, honest and open with me. Kevan’s foster mother has fostered dozens of children, all with severe medical problems. I also admire my mom for teaching me how to guide my kids and not control them or their decisions.
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This was previously published in Amazing Moms coffee table book and is republished with permission of the author.
Photo courtesy Unsplash.