Credit

Sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough credit.

As I read my daughters’ graduation posts on their school Facebook page, I paused momentarily and noticed they are “the daughter of Mike and Jamie W., of Oglesby.”  And I had tears in my eyes.

It took me a minute, but I realized that a large part of it is that I am so damn proud of all three of my kids and all they have done and will do.  The pride we have for our children – it can’t be matched.

But I also realized that I’m also pretty damn proud of myself.  And Mike too.

Besides my therapist, I don’t talk much these days about my childhood, but let’s just say, I’ve overcome a lot.  And raising these kiddos, with their dad, in a stable environment, well, is one of my biggest life achievements.

When I decided to get married and have children (and yes, I decided – 6 IVFs later…) I knew I had to break the cycle.  If I was going to have children, I had to be sure that they would have their needs met and grow up in a loving, stable home.  

That’s not to say I don’t make mistakes with them – I absolutely do.  And I hold them more accountable than they would like (love you three!).  But I am doing my absolute best – every day – to be there for them and to raise them to be productive and functional adults.  

We’ve still got four years of high school ahead – and I have no doubt they will be some of the most challenging years of parenting yet.  Mostly because, I’m not ready for them to grow up and letting them go will be so hard.  But they are all amazing kids, and I know these next 4 years will fly!

Today, I’m giving myself some credit.  A pat on my back for making it this far.  For raising them in one house, with their dad, without the family support I had hoped for/needed.  Despite all of the challenges, I’m proud that we were able to give them the stability and childhood they needed to grow and thrive.

I couldn’t be more proud to be their mom.  I know this is just the beginning, and they have so many amazing adventures ahead!