It's good to have reminders

This job is hard.

Mommying is hard. Daddying is hard. Parenting is hard.

Harder for some than others, for sure.

Easier days and harder days and easier days and harder days.

Worth it? I will say, resoundingly, YES. But, that doesn't mean it is easy.

I have had a couple of reminders lately about how hard it can be for other parents, and how fortunate and thankful I am to be in the 'less-hard' category.

In a random, round-about way (isn't that always how it works?) I came across Enjoying The Small Things. It is a blog written by a talented photographer whose second child was born a few weeks ago and just happens to have Down syndrome. Her description of the birth story is very touching and so honest. From a professional perspective, I appreciated the insight into what so many of my patients feel. I am acutely aware that not every birth story is filled with rainbows and balloons. Also, though, there are moments of beauty in every birth, despite the unexpected. If I ever find myself in a similar situation, I hope I would be a fraction as gracious.

And this morning on the Today show, a story about a little boy Girly's age who was left unattended in the bathtub and drowned. He has miraculously recovered. Sheepishly, I admit my initial reaction was disgust - how could a parent do that? leave their child unattended? in the BATHTUB? But after a moment, I realized that no parent does that intentionally. It was an accident. I hope and pray that I never find myself in this similar situation, but why couldn't it happen to me? I am no better and no worse than any other parent who is trying their best.

I guess this is a long-winded way of saying ... no parent is perfect. I think we all try to be, but can anyone ever reach that goal? I am in awe at the friends and patients I have who meet seemingly insurmountable challenges in their daily lives as parents. To me, they seem perfect, although I'm sure they wouldn't say that themselves. And, those brief moments I have where I think to myself, "I would never do that!" ... don't be so quick, Missy. You today, me tomorrow.

Today, I vow to do my best.

And, tomorrow?

I'll try again.