To All the Moms I’m Not

Dear Hot Mom,

I tried to be like you, but getting dressed and wearing makeup isn’t my thing most days. In fact, today, when I picked up my kids in carpool line, I threw on a sweatshirt so I could skip the bra. But you looked really, really pretty.

Dear Cool Mom,

I tried to be like you, but it’s hard for me to chill. I fussed yesterday when my son got grass stains on his new uniform pants. And sleepovers make me so nervous! But my kids had a blast at your house, and I’m getting them big Nerf guns for Christmas.

Dear Pinterest Mom,

I tried to be like you, but my burlap door hanger came out lumpy, and I still have a scar from a hot glue gun. I grabbed a fall wreath at Sam’s, and it looks okay. Nice enough for the price anyway. But your owl cupcakes were adorable, and my kids loved every bite.

Dear PTA Mom,

I tried to be like you, but I really don’t enjoy those meetings. I sit there overwhelmed with thoughts of other things I have to get done. I’d rather send in money or donate goods. But I’m so appreciative of all you do for our school. The Fall Fest was wonderful.

Dear Party Mom,

I tried to be like you, but I’m so tired. I get anxious having to get dressed to go out and find it easy to make excuses not to. But I love seeing your pictures and ask that you continue to invite me. Even if it means I only come once in a while, I so enjoy your company.

Dear Stay at Home Mom,

I tried to be like you, but I’m not good at it. I didn’t do well without the structure of a 9-5 job. But I notice you and am impressed with all you accomplish and how much you give of yourself every single day.

I’m seven years into motherhood and just coming to terms with the idea that I don’t fit into any of these boxes. I know who I’m not, and I’m becoming comfortable with who I am. I’m a teacher turned nursing student. I read with my kids and love playing board games with them. I’m creative, but only when the mood strikes. I still get butterflies when I kiss my husband. I’m outgoing yet anxious, a leader who often lacks confidence. I love hard. I fight hard. I’m a really good mom. I get by with a little help from my friends. And I am so grateful that Hot Mom, Cool Mom, Pinterest Mom, PTA Mom, Party Mom, and Stay at Home Mom are all part of my village.

Alyson Haggerty
Alyson lives in Metairie with her husband, Patrick, their two boys, and their Morkie, Beignet. After teaching for almost ten years, she left a career in education, earned her BSN, and now works as a pediatric emergency nurse. In her free time, Alyson enjoys flipping furniture, writing, dancing, and painting. She is always looking for a racquetball partner and loves streetcar rides and playing board games with her family. A good cook, she is constantly on a quest to answer the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” but has thus far been unsuccessful.

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