BFF 92 "Can't Buy Me Love" My Muses

For my muses...
From the moment I know you were conceived, I loved you! From the moment you were born, I'd do anything for you. From the moment I held you, I knew that I would never let you go...


At this point in my life, I am now a stay at home mom(sahm). From the very beginning, I worked hard for the money, so hard for it honey! "Babies need shoes!" was my mantra. They also needed clothes, food, shelter, etc. As a young parent you almost have to work twice as hard to provide for them. As the kids got older and I made a little more money, their needs became more expensive. I had this Idea in my mind that although I would not give into my children every "I want, I want, I want", I would give what I thought they needed and a little of what they wanted. Albeit, it was usually a little later than they wanted and the next generation was on the verge of being reveled. 


I struggled with the school of thought that the majority of my generation was giving everything to their kids with out betting an eye. Most of the kids that I went school with weren't given everything. Most of all, they had two parents in the home. Still most of them had jobs to afford them the "luxuries" they desired, as did I. Makes me wonder if they were missing something. I came from a single parent home. It was a given for me to work but I am certain now that my mom was instilling in me a work ethic. It wasn't just about having what you wanted. It was a about working for it. Money can't buy that!


So at some point in time, I had the twisted thinking that the harder and longer that I worked, my children would love me more! Ridiculous, I know. I needed to work to prove I could provide for them on my own eventually. At the time, I didn't regret my choice to work outside the home. Due in part to the fact that I didn't know any better. My mom worked outside the home my whole life with the exception of a few times were she babysat in our home. I never felt neglected or abandoned. Nor did I get labeled a "latch key kid". My Grandma Goldie lived with us for the majority of my childhood, so I always had a parent to go to, as well. Money can't buy those kinda memories!


It was only natural that at times my mom lived with us. She assumed the role of the parent as did her mother. I traveled quite a bit with my job and I knew that kids were safe and cared for in the home that I bought and maintained. I felt a great sense pride at what I had created for them- as normal as normal gets. The kids hardly ever complained as it was all they have ever known. I loved them and they knew that. Even at times being deemed the "Disneyland Mom" by my own mother. What she did not understand was that I was making up for lost time with the kids! I could make lot of money but I could not make up time with them that had been lost. Money can't by time lost.


When the time came that I could stay at home and care for the family and house, I jumped at the chance. Packing lunches, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, greeting everyone with a smiling face when they get home seems like a reward worth the wait! We don't have as much money, left overs are a new concept, nagging to clean their rooms, and reminding them to do their chores are new to me. None the less, they all love mom being home all the time. I hear almost everyday and most of the time I get "on the spot" rewards like hugs, kisses, and flowers picked on the way home. 


...I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love.