Mama Monday : Michelle from This Little Light

The blogging world is funny. 
Sometimes, you forge relationships with people and then completely forget how you ever came across them. It's like you've known them all along. 
 I don't recall whether I commented on Michelle's blog, This Little Light, first or she on mine...but I do know that now, we visit each other's spaces whenever we can.
I also know that one day, we will share a HUGE cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee in person. Of that, I am sure.

Michelle is mom to one adorable son, Matthew. And she is such an amazing soul. Full of faith, kindness, and inspiration. 

 blog... facebook... pinterest... bloglovin

Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision?

  I’m a stay-at-home mom: a very happy one. We struggled for many years and endured one great loss before Matt {aka, The Boy} was born, so there was no question in my mind that when the time came, I would remain at home with him. I know that I’m blessed to be able to do it..

Did you always see yourself in this role? Was it a dream of yours?  

I never saw myself as someone tied to a career. Growing up I was very close to my grandmother and great-grandmother, both of whom lived right in front of my childhood home. I spent a lot of time with them over the years, and both were wonderful examples of strong, loving, and nurturing homemakers. I always wanted to be like them. Thankfully, my greatest love is writing, and I can do that anywhere.

What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could?

What frustrates me most about being at home? Well, when Matthew was younger I would have said “not being able to sit down and finish a hot cup of coffee,” but he’s older now and I can do that often! I think what frustrates me most is the assumption that I’m “wasting” my education. I went to a competitive New England university and I was once asked why I did that considering “all I wanted to be was a mom.” What a ridiculous thing to say, I thought.

 And my second answer to this question: whining!

 If you are home, do you plan to return to work one day?

o   As long as we’re financially able to do it, I plan to be at home with Matthew throughout his school years. Sure, he’s away for a good portion of the day, but we all know how much takes place after the school day has ended. Besides, it’s very important to me that I’m here to be with him at the end of the day, and that he doesn’t return to an empty house. I think our presence becomes more and more critical as they get older and the temptations of society are greater. 

Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision?

    Everyone’s circumstances are different. What’s right for one family may not be right for another, and it’s important that we respect each other’s decisions. I do think that if you are able, though, you’ll never regret the precious time you’ve spent raising your child hands-on! It all goes by so fast.

Thank you, Susan, for asking me to reflect on my choices and why I do what I do … thanks for giving all moms a voice and a forum to share it! xo

The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.

I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.

We are women and man, we're amazing.

A huge thank you to Michelle for sharing this space and her voice with other mama's today.