by Deidra Romero posted in Parenting

Go back in time with me 6 years ago, pre-kids.
On my drive to work each morning I would see this woman. Her kid was about 4 or 5, riding in an umbrella stroller that he had pretty much outgrown.
The mom had this look on her face. Like she was trying to figure out this most puzzling circumstance. She stared down the street with a set jaw, as she navigated another world beyond that sidewalk. Her son played with some sort of device.
I saw her nearly every morning pushing that stroller.
And I felt bad for her.

I mean, what did she do all day with her life"
She hauled her other kids to school then schlepped this one around the neighborhood in the stroller. She was working out some sort of frustration -- the way she pushed him was with purpose. Not a jog but a power walk. She wasn?t out enjoying the scenery and getting some fresh air. She had work to do. And this was it. Now I think about this woman from a totally different perspective. I?ve been a SAHM mom for almost 5 years. And it is not at all how I thought it would be.
I feel that mother's worry some days. How am I going to accomplish everything I need to do in the next 24 hours"
How can I manage to take care of myself and these kids today"
I used to wonder what she was thinking about. I mean, what could she possibly be dealing with that is so difficult" But now I get it.
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