Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love the cooler crisp air, and the beautiful foliage. Football is in the air and pumpkin spice is everywhere. It is funny how the seasons change, the days gradually get cooler and then all of the sudden it is no longer summer! I think motherhood is just the same.
Just a few short years ago I was a stay at home mom with two in diapers and one in preschool. My days were long. There were lessons to be learned at every turn. Hard ones like, take turns, share, be kind, wait, and eat your vegetables. I felt like I was drowning in tantrums and strong wills. There were sweet times too, afternoon snuggles, first steps, first words, successful potty training, and abundant hugs and kisses. When I struggled everyone would say “ it is just a season, it will pass”. And that was true because the years were very short.
When my youngest was four, I returned to work as an elementary music teacher. While I had worked prior to having kids, going back was a complete shift from anything I had ever known before. Getting out of the house on time, homework, activities, plus learning my job all over again seemed more than I could handle. Those days were long! However, as a family we pulled through and survived. There were sweet moments too. We were able to take a family vacation to Disney, my children thrive in school, and I was named Teacher of the Year. Just like the last season, the years became short, and that season passed.
Now, as I move into a new season of middle school activities, classes, and attitude, I am finding the sweet moments again. My son is becoming so interesting and funny as he matures. My girls are becoming responsible and witty young ladies. The seasons of Motherhood are just like the seasons of the year. Each one has a purpose for growth. There is good and bad in every season but the good will always outweigh the bad, if we look for it. Whether that season is easy or hard it will pass before we know it.
While fall is my favorite season, I truly love all the seasons. Winter brings Christmas holidays, Spring brings outside gardening, and Summer brings swimming! Without the change we could not have these wonderful experiences. That is exactly how motherhood is. Find the joy in the season you are in because the days are long but the years are oh so short.
Tara Trobaugh resides in Georgia and was named the 2013 National Young Mother of the Year.
