Written by Melisa as a part of the We’re Moms Too series
When you first become a parent, you feel so many emotions. You’re scared because you are responsible for another’s life and making sure he or she is safe at all times. You’re excited that you have created a beautiful baby that you get to love and teach right from wrong and you vow that you will do all that you can to ensure your child has the happiest, healthiest life they can.
You teach by example, reminded by what you learned growing up, remembering what you did and didn’t like. You make mistakes that you learn from and vow to never make again, especially if you are lucky enough to have another child.
You carry on traditions that you hold near and dear. I too carried on traditions with my children. I spoke of Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny and played the parts too. As I played each part, I was rewarded as I watched the joy wash over their faces as the tooth fairy received hugs and kisses.
When my daughter was about 10-years-old, she and I were in the car going somewhere. Out of the blue, she asked me if there was a Santa Claus. I was caught off guard and asked her what she thought. She said no. I told her that she was correct and that he wasn’t real. I thought I was doing the right thing by telling her the truth. She became very angry and hurt, yes hurt – I remember to this day the next words that came out of her mouth – YOU LIED TO US! I was devastated; I had never meant to cause her any type of pain. I was only carrying on the tradition that I had grown up with. She then asked about the Easter Bunny and tooth fairy and I was forced to tell her that they weren’t real either. It took her a few minutes to process and understand why I did what I did, but from that day forward, I did not speak of Santa, the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny.
You also treasure the unforgettable moments, like when my daughter saw a black and white picture of me and said “Mom, you were born before color?” Or when my son asked me to marry him when he was four-years-old.
You come across many bumps along the way that make you wonder if you will survive parenthood, especially the teenage years, but you will and you do.
All of these things you do with the hope that your children will grow up to be responsible human beings who are successful and happy in their journey through life. I’m proud to say, I did survive and succeeded at parenthood. I have two beautiful children and two beautiful stepchildren, who have graduated from high school and college and are all pursuing their careers. They are also the first to stand by me and help me through any difficult times.
About Melisa
Melisa is a Senior Human Resource Generalist at Step2. When she is not “encouraging” her husband to remodel their house, she spends her time shopping for jewelry, camping in her RV, discovering new wineries and reading.
