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My parents recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. An amazing feat in and of itself, but looking back at my childhood, I don’t know how my mom didn’t go insane and run away screaming when I was a teenager.
I was a typical sassy teen who didn’t appreciate anything, was extremely stubborn (still am), and expected the world to revolve around me. When I set my mind to something, I was determined to do it no matter what. I’m sure she thought on many occasions, just wait until you have a daughter of your own! Well, she got her wish. I have five of them! Five times the joy and five times the stress.
My parents ran their own business and my mom was always working, or doing things for the kids (I have two older brothers). She worked from home so she could never leave the office when she needed to, or escape to the office when she wanted to. She was always there when we needed her. And up until recently, when she started taking yearly trips with her sisters, she never did anything truly for herself.
And in spite of the fact that, much like every young girl in her teens, I spouted “I’ll never be just like my mom!” our lives are remarkably similar. I own my own business and work from home, so I am surrounded by work all the times and when I’m not working I’m doing something for my girls. I haven’t had a vacation in over 7 years… a two-day trip to Cape Cod with my parents and my 5 girls, (the hubby couldn’t make it) that was decidedly not a vacation for me.
Aside from a few short business trips 8 years ago and my Komen 3-Day for the Cure walks I haven’t been away from my girls for more than a few hours at a time.
As my mom prophesied, I totally see parts of my teen self in my daughters, every. single. day. The stubbornness, know-it-all, I’m the center of attention, me that my mom loved no matter how much of a pain in the ass I was. I also see in them the tenderhearted, caring sweet child that I was on rare occasions. And I love my girls more than anything. As much as they drive me insane–and yes there’ve been times when I have run from the house screaming–I will always be there for them, too.
This year my husband and I will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary. We have few years to go before we hit 49, but I’m pretty confident I will have that in common with my mom, as well.
Angela Johnson says
What a neat post! It's interesting to stop and see the differences and similarities!
lisa jones says
What Beautiful Picture Of You & Your Family, My Girls & Son All Have My Personality & Stubborness Too But They Don't Look Like Me
Kate says
Thank you.
Kimberly Cox says
So wonderful to read about such an amazing story. Wish your parents a Happy Anniversary, and Good Luck to you. I’m sure your life will continue to be parallel to your mother’s.
Kate says
Thank you!
Reesa Lewandowski says
Such a great post! I loved seeing your pictures!
Kate says
Thank you!
Reginia Cordell says
What an endearing post!
We are a lot like our moms. They are the ones who groomed and shaped us into the forces we are.
Wishing you and your husband a long weekend away; just the two of you.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
What stood out to me the most here was Cape Cod. My parents took us there every summer when we were growing up and now I think going down the cape is wicked lame – and I am only 20 minutes from the bridge.
Jamie Rippy (@MamaMo says
Congrats on making to 18 years! We're almost at 15 ourselves. I see parts of my daughter in me every day, and I'm honestly scared to see myself through her when she hits her teens!
kristinethefoleyfamb says
So sweet! I've caught myself saying the same thing and our daughters are only 2 and 3! Ha! The teenage years just might kill me 🙂
carly says
Love this, what an amazing person to be like!
Laura says
Aww, what a sweet post! As I get older, I definitely see parallels in my mom's life and my own.
Jamie says
How beautiful and well written. I was the same way as a teen and I said, I'll never be like my parents…but I am…big time! Congrats on the 18 years and wow 49 years is amazing!