On my blog I write to you about “all things mama”. But as a freelance writer, I used to write so much about other people, other businesses, other companies. They didn’t always necessarily touch my heart. Starting this blog was the complete opposite of that. I write what is important to me the most: being a mama.
There is nothing that has happened to me, or ever will, that will forever alter my whole life, as being a mama has. And that is saying a lot, considering all that I have been through. My experience, as fresh as it still is with three young children, has been overwhelming, exciting, daunting, soothing, mesmerizing and eye-opening every single day. No other ‘job’ can do that for you, every day! And yes it’s a job. But I don’t refer to it as a job on a daily basis. To me, it is my life. My glorious, amazing, incredible life.
One thing I have heard before and truly resonated with me about being a mama: when you are a mama, you are always ‘on’. Isn’t that so true?! Even if your little one is taking a nap, you are getting things done frantically for that one hour of quite, and listening tentatively in case they should wake up. Even if they are at school, you stay ‘on’ for any emergency and check the time often to be sure you are in the right place at the right time, to greet them when they are finished their day. Even when they are older and out of the house at a party, you wait for the phone call in case they need a lift home and stay up until they get home. Yes, being a mama is a full-time, around the clock, always ‘on’ experience like no other.
Of course, this post would never be complete without mentioning my mama. Nothing makes you appreciate your mother more, than becoming a mother yourself. My mama is a rockstar! After my first child was born, I began my major “thank yous” all the time. When I was up nights with my little one, and would call her in the early hours of the morning with little sleep, or when I was worried about how he was eating, or reacting to anything, or if he had a fever…the list goes on and on. Each milestone, each moment of concern or happiness…I thank her. Thank your mamas, people! I can’t put into a few lines how incredible she is, but I will tell you this: she is still ‘on’ for me. And I love her to death.
So when this opportunity came to me, I was more than thrilled. This is an amazing way to thank the mama in your life.
I notice with a lot of women that once you become a mama, you get the ‘give back bug’. In my case, it couldn’t be more true. I have three beautiful, healthy and happy children. And each day when I see them, I think how blessed I am. So naturally, I feel it in my heart to give back to others who have helped us, or who are less fortunate, as much as I can.
Imagine my overwhelming excitement when I heard about this new campaign by Walmart. To help celebrate and recognize the great contribution mamas make as role models and integral family members of the family and community, Walmart has launched a Mom of the Year Award.
What amazing about this campaign is that the winner of the award with win $10,000 for themselves but also a whopping $100,000 for their favourite charity. What an awesome way to give back to those in need. Seven other finalists will be chosen to receive $10,000 for themselves and $10,000 for the charities. Imagine all the good that will come out of this one campaign!
Nominations have been going on since Mother’s Day and will continue until July 8, 2012 so if you would like to nominate a mama, do it now! There are currently over 14,000 mamas nominated…I would not want to be one of the judges for this, because I am sure that all the mamas nominated are incredible! Visit www.momoftheyear.ca to nominate and vote for your favourite mama.