There is Joy and Sorrow in Every Season of Motherhood

But winter always comes too soon

Photo by Author

I became a mother over two decades ago. I planned for Ana, my first baby, never dreaming she wouldn’t survive to reach adulthood. Then I planned for her sister, Emily, who turned 21 in April.

When those babies showed up, our family felt complete. My life was focused on the girls and I loved every season equally.

Spring was about birthday parties, pastel dresses, and Easter egg hunts. As the girls grew older, spring filled up with play dates and endless school events. By the time the school year wound down, we couldn’t wait for summer.

And summer was perfect — long days and warm nights, sidewalk chalk, swimming pools, and catching frogs. It was hectic and hot and possibly a bit too long. If I could relive a season with my girls, it would be a summer spent in the yard, growing vegetables, running through the sprinkler, and eating ice cream.

Late summer into early autumn was just as delicious. Filled with back-to-school excitement, the days were frenetic. I took them school shopping, prepared lunches, and filled the calendar with their many activities and events. It wasn’t perfect, of course. I was often stressed and impatient with our nightly battles about homework and bed time. It wore me down. I…