Ava Grace's Closet: Mama Monday : Michelle from This Little Light
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Monday, November 12, 2012

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. 


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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. 
MAMAMONDAY

18 comments :

  1. Great interview! I loved the last answer - we all do need to be more respectful of each other.

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  2. I love the idea of being able to be a presence for the children when they come home from school. I had that...and I loved it then and now too, thinking back on it.

    I'm home now w/my little one, but intend on going back to work now that he's in Kindergarten simply because I know it's expected. You're very lucky to be able to stay home!

    I enjoyed the interview.

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  3. love it and love michelle!

    ditto on wasting he education /// I too have a degree from a really good school///not using it does not make you a bad person : )

    I feel like now that e is in school I need to be home even more than I did when she wasn't

    love these post miss susan!

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  4. What a great interview. I agree completely with the statement, " I think our presence becomes more and more critical as they get older and the temptations of society are greater." Now that my first son is in college and my second in high school, I am realizing how much my being home helped them. Our college son actually texts me to thank me for being there in high school, for walking alongside him as he navigated the social quagmire, etc. I am abundantly blessed to have a husband who values family first. High school is way tougher than elementary school!!!

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  5. I love hearing other stay at home moms stories and there decision to stay home. I have my degree too and often feel the pressure or lack of understanding on why I chose this path.

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  6. A higher education is NEVER wasted! And the silly question why you would want to go for that education if ALL you wanted to be was a Mom is saying a lot more about the person asking it. Being a caring, responsible Mom takes quite a lot more than just tough love. You are far better prepared in guiding them as needed. Your life is not over yet after you stayed home during school years; you always can go back to a job. Being a richer, more fulfilled woman than. Hats off to you!
    Mariette

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    1. I so agree. I must say, I struggle with this more so with all the work experience/years invested that I feel like I left on the table but also know that no one can ever take that time or experience away from me.

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  7. I especially appreciated your 4th answer. My mom was a stay at home mom, and I loved knowing she would be there when I got home. Not all mom's can do this, but it sure makes a difference when mom is there to greet her kids!

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  8. I love reading stories of other moms out there - thanks for sharing this one Susan!

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  9. The timing of this interview couldn't have been more perfect. We are planning that I'll stay home after we start a family...or before then. It's a scary thought, but I know that with a lot of prayer, patience and making our money work for us we can do it. Thank you for posting this, today...I needed the reassurance.

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    1. I'm so glad! And I think all of us worry about the financial strain. It has an awfully funny way of working out. Have a peek at Christina's interview last week...she shares some interesting thoughts on this.

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  10. Awesome interview! Loving this series so much!

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  11. Nice to meet you. Most blogger friends, I don't remember how we met. But there is one in particular that found me and i am glad she did.

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  12. This series is just fantastic. What a great idea.

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  13. Thank you to the lovely Susan for having me here, and thank you to each of you for your wonderful comments ... we moms, though our paths might be different, we have to stick together, don't we?!

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  14. I like to think that we are using our education in a very positive way, helping to pass along what we know to our children.

    Love the series, nice to get to know a fellow blogger :)

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I love reading every last one. Thanks so much for stopping by our little blog. xo.