I can already hear it. Those of you who know me know that I am as feminist as it gets. So why am I calling myself "just a momma" even if I am saying a Southern momma. I do still retain my own identity even though I am married with five kids. Most days I am even happily married.
As women, wives, and mommas we all sometimes feel invisible, unappreciated, under loved, and we most definitely feel under paid since we don't get any tangible compensation at all for our work.Usually people don't even think we work at all. For example when I go to the store and chat it up with Janet Smith who is a high powered Walmart customer service associate.
I push my buggy up to the check out lane with my forty-three children in tow doing my best to keep my two year old son from farting on his sister's head while she's busy trying to convince everyone she's an abducted princess that Cinderella is desperately searching for while trying to keep a boob in the baby's mouth somewhat discretely while keeping my 8 year old autistic son from becoming overstimulated by the many terrors that is Walmart. My 17 year old son and his live in friend wisely chose to stay at home.
The cashier gives me a wide eyed and startled look as though I have just told her she has to raise all of these children plus the neighbor's three by herself. I manage to smile and greet her while all she can say is, "Wow! Are all of those kids your kids." I manage not to be the sarcastic wench that I am at home, and I just smile rather proudly and confirm they are all mine. She proceeds to tell me how brave I am as though I just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan. Seriously?! Even though I am still peeling my 2 year old's butt off of 5 year old Princess PrissyPants's head I still think the guys and gals overseas fighting a war have it just a little worse off than I do (although I would never admit that to my husband who thinks our home is probably just a little less scary than the prospect of WW III).
Then comes the question, "So... Do you work or just stay home with the kids?" Really? REALLY?!
So this is where I am right now. Do I just stay home?
Some days we all feel invisible, unloved, unappreciated, and even unwanted. Some days we all feel like just another momma. Today is one of those days. Today I am just another momma. Nobody special.
