Poem: My Children

My children what a surprise

Tears in both their eyes.

My ears can’t stand the cries

“Easy? Fun?” they told lies.

.

What oh Lord can I do

I just want to be next to you!

Was it something so special about me

That I could not see?

I should have not been first pick,

fourteen days out of the month I’m sick.

Oh what a surprise!

There they go again with their cries.

May I have a break?

While I sit down to have a steak.

Can’t answer the phone

My chores aren’t done.

No unexpected visitors please,

a bathtub moment to seize.

I always need money,

too broke to be funny.

Diapers, milk, bibs,

clothes, towels, and cribs.

No smile on my face,

a crinkled eyebrow to replace.

Was in love with your gift of lovemaking,

but my freedom was for the taking.

Regrets of time well spent,

overboard I went.

Left it all behind

to be in the light to shine.

They will get old one day,

and I pray they will say,

I understand mama

I understand.

Nicholl McGuire

Poem: Mother-in-laws

A smile

A nervous laugh

A question asked

Silence.

Didn’t want me around

Didn’t want me with him

Your child

My man

Smiling.

Go along, to get along

Is that what you learned?

Why be bothered?

Why involve yourself

Why not close your ears?

Allow your child to grow!

Be a woman

take care of your own business.

But no, you won’t.

Too busy smiling

Laughing

Putting on false fronts.

Asking questions.

And so he runs to you!

Mama help!

She’s hurting me

Help!

Nicholl McGuire

Reflections of Motherhood

You Will Always Be Mother

No matter what someone says or does, you gave birth to children that have been stamped with your DNA for all eternity!  Sometimes we find ourselves in disputes with loved ones, school staff, and others on the well-being of our children.  We may be criticized for what we say and do concerning our children, but no matter the negative comments, threats, accusations, ridicule, etc.  your children are yours!  You might be the parent away from your children or the one with them on a daily basis, as long as you are tending to their basic needs, showing them love, and they are growing into well-adjusted human beings that are causing more good than harm to others, then who cares what someone thinks?

One of our weaknesses, especially those of us who care a lot for people, is we take on their emotions as well.  We internalize what they think, how they feel, and what they say about our parenting.  The grandparent tells you something that might have helped her decades ago, but doesn't work for you yet you try anyway only to feel burdened.  The spouse comments on the way you are dressing, feeding or tending to your child's needs and you attempt to appease.  Passer-byers smile and comment when you happily play with your child, but when you discipline him or her, they frown and feel it is their duty to offer their thoughts.  These petty scenarios as well as others you may have experienced recently, if often thought about, can make you lose your cool and resent parenting.  No matter what happens, you will always be mother!  You have a say so in your child's life whether near or far, sooner or later. 

Your son or daughter will hear and see what mom has been trying to do for years--be a good parent.  He or she may understand or may not, but at least you know that you did your very best with whatever resources and time you have. 

For those of you who have faith, turn your burdens over to your Creator--that includes people who are more critical than loving, more concerned about material goods and less concerned about spiritual matters, and who have far too much time on their hands to watch you parent your child.

You will always be mother and no one can take that title away from you unless you let them!

Nicholl McGuire

Parenting Challenges from a Spiritual Perspective