Until I became a mother, I never truly understood the role. I often took my mother for granted. Sure, she went through a horrible labor and birth to bring me into this world. She faced a difficult pregnancy and was often stressed by having a sick baby. Constant asthma attacks, stomach issues, pneumonia and allergic reactions became a normal part of my mother's life. I was a high maintenance child. Now that I'm a mother, I realize how hard my mom had it.
My daughter was very sick recently and I was faced with a lot of major decisions regarding her health. I didn't have time to research my options and think things over. My daughter needed emergency surgery. "Sign this paper, m'am. We need your insurance information. We are taking her in right away." My head was spinning and my heart was pounding out of my chest. Suddenly, my mom came to mind. I asked myself, "What would my mother do?".
As I sat in the waiting room pushing terrible thoughts from my mind, my parents walked in. There was no better feeling. I had reassurance that everything would be okay. I appreciated them in a whole new light. These poor people had put up with my constant illnesses, medical bills and sleepless nights. During one of the most difficult times in my life, I had my sisters, parents and husband with me. I felt at peace. While my little girl was in the operating room, I felt like a little girl that just wanted her mommy and daddy.
Friends and family got us through and my daughter is recovering. I have a new appreciation for parents everywhere. I have great parents, my siblings are awesome parents, my friends are nurturing, loving parents and I know that I am destined to be a great mother simply because I have these people surrounding me. Being a parent is definitely the most difficult job in the world but it is also the most rewarding.
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