Before I had my kids, I had images of what I thought they would look like. I thought about how I would feel. I thought long and hard about whether or not I was ready to be a parent. I decided I was ready. I had to find the right person to be with. I had to work on myself. It took me a while to become a Mom. Some might think I am my kids grandmother. I had a late start. The pictures in my mind were of perfect moments, where everyone fit into place.
There were trying times as a parent. You do the best you can. My parents did the best they could with what they had. I had my moments. I would fight with my parents. Not too often. I was asserting my independence. I knew I had to move out of their home. It felt like I was being pushed out against my will.
I floundered. I made mistakes. Then I realized, I could be out on my own and thrive. I made changes. Then I found my husband and then we had three kids. Before we had kids I had to visualize what life might look like with kids. I knew there would be expenses. There might also be some strife. I learned to let go of the images of perfection. I hold on to the happy moments as they occur. Those are the images that I remember. When you are fighting or feel like you are at your wits end with your kids. Hold on to the pictures of the happy times, the fun times, and make more. Forget about the unhappy times or the perfect moments you had in your mind.