Happy Housewife

Patrick Archbold had an intriguing, if not controversial post last week on CMR. There was a comment on that particular post that saddened me and has stuck with me ever since reading it. The commenter wrote, " I never wanted to be a mom because all the mom's I knew were unhappy." It broke my heart to read it.

My mom stayed home with us as we were growing up. I had a carefree, wonderful childhood. My mom was always home. I felt safe, secure, and loved. I am so grateful she stayed home with us, and from what I recall, she seemed content to be there.

As we entered our high school years, mom joined the workforce so that my parents could afford a college education for the three of us. My parents helped me pay for college, and I got my bachelor's degree in sociology. College was enjoyable and I am thankful for the sacrifices my parents made, but all I ever wanted to be was a wife and a mother. I worked for the year between graduating from college and my marriage to Wingnut. I worked as a substitute teacher and took graduate courses toward my master's degree in education, while Wingnut labored in pilot training, during our first year of marriage. We never discussed what our plan was once children came along. When we did finally discuss starting our family, I let Wingnut know that if I was going to have children, I was going to stay home with them, end of discussion. What a blessing I married a man who felt the same way I did. He was 100% behind my plan. We started our family and I got my "dream job."

I really mean that, too. I am here today, bearing witness, that happy housewives do indeed exist. Not only am I living proof, but the majority of my friends also fit this description, although their paths, and dreams may have been very different from my own.

That is not to say life is perfect around here. I think I've honestly posted on many of the challenges we face from day to day. Every family has challenges. I am not immune to becoming tired, frustrated, impatient, and downright resentful at times. It can be tough to serve ALL. THE. TIME. I am so very thankful for the Sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist. They keep me on track, refueled, and at peace.

I cannot imagine having a more exciting or more fulfilling career. God Willing, when I stand before Him on Judgement Day, it will have been a job well done.