I’m not sure if every school implemented crafts as homework in the early 90s, but boy did my school set parents up for some late nights and frustration. Many of these crafts were brought home as ‘homework’ for the ‘student’ to complete. These projects were all a bit tricky for me because the craft world was not my thing.
I remember one specific project: the construction paper turkey. Number one: Who has a child make a construction paper turkey at home? What exactly is the purpose? What if we didn’t have scissors, paper, glue, glitter, everything one needs to make a construction paper turkey extravagant? These were questions I had as an elementary student when I sat down at home to make this turkey while my mom was down the street serving up prime rib and Cabernet to diners.
My mom worked nights during part of my childhood. She would come home after I was happily dreaming next to my sister in our shared bedroom. By the way, I still remember the line I drew in the bedroom telling her she wasn’t allowed on my side of the room. My dad, bless his heart, was doing his best to keep three children fed (stir fry was his go-to) and their homework completed. Don’t get me wrong, my Dad was my coach in more sport seasons than I can count and helped in any way he could, but homework was Mom’s world.
Back to the project. I did my best, but I knew it would stand pathetic next to the other turkeys. When I woke the next morning, I didn’t recognize the red and green and brown paper on our dining room table. My mom had completely transformed my turkey into the most beautiful creation with construction paper and glitter I had ever seen. She probably stayed up all night making it come together.
Let me be clear, I am not advocating moms do their children’s homework for them. It was the 90s, people. Helicopter parenting wasn’t a thing. Our parents loved us, but we ate macaroni and cheese, hotdogs and Little Debbie snacks daily. We set off in the summer with our bikes and a full day ahead of us while not one of us had a cell phone to ‘check in’. My mother sprucing up my construction paper turkey wasn’t looked down upon in the least.
And friends, let me tell you, that ridiculous turkey meant the world to me. I was so proud and excited to show it off in class that day. Although my mom working nights for a season was hard, she showed my brother, sister, and I love anyway she could. Her love ran deep and strong and has never wavered. And her love came through loud and clear with that silly turkey.
Moms matter. Now that I’m a mom, I see and understand and appreciate the things my mom did for me. I look back and realize she did so many incredibly hard things. She sacrificed her own comfort and happiness for ours. I know she had days when all she wanted to do was stay in bed, but she got up, cracked open a can of Dr. Pepper and got moving. She welcomed other kids into our home, so she could stay home with us when we were young. She worked nights when she needed to help our family financially. She was a fundraiser, a cheerleader, an art teacher, a car pool driver, a macaroni and cheese with peas and hot dogs chef. She wore many hats and I’m sure there are so many I don’t even know about.
Now my mom loves my kids the way she loved me back when I was still small enough to need help tying my shoes. I’m just going to say it: A mother’s love is unlike any other. It’s steadfast and unwavering and big.
Moms matter. They do the work no one will ever see. They dig in, push through and love, love, love. They plaster on a smile for their littles, even when they are hurting inside. They play tea party and accept dandelion offerings and sweep the floor after meals. They collect boogers from noses and don’t get enough sleep and pour another cup of coffee just for it to grow cold sitting in the microwave. Moms make construction paper turkeys come to life. They give the tiny humans in their care hope, encouragement, love, and the courage and confidence to do things big, grown humans do.
Moms are raising the next generation of teachers, doctors, farmers, electricians, bankers, even the next moms and dads. So, if you’re a momma out there my prayer for you today is you know you matter. You matter not just to your littles and your family, you matter to the world. Your role is vital to creating a kinder, happier world. So sweep up those Cheerios and rewarm that coffee in the microwave and snuggle your babies. And rest in the certainty you are doing good, important work.
Oh yea, and Mom…
Thanks for the turkey and the other million things you did seen and unseen. You have always been in my corner even when I made a complete fool of myself. There aren’t enough thank yous. You’re simply the best.