Birmingham
When my family relocated to Birmingham, I cried every day for the first six months. I was 13 years old, in a new junior high, and sharing a room with my sister. My mother finally grew so exasperated with our apartment living — and I think my crying — that she bought a house while my dad was working out of town. Within two months of moving in, I smiled nearly every day. And now, more than 40 years later, I’m still smiling.
I lived away from Birmingham for nearly 20 years after graduating from Birmingham-Southern in the mid-80s. I brought the family back to town in 2006, and what I love most is that you are just two degrees of separation from everyone you meet. Everywhere I go, I meet people who know my high school or college classmates or who are friends with my parents or siblings. I think that’s what makes this city a wonderful place to be a mom: there is always someone you know whom you can turn to for advice, support, and, best of all, fun.
Moms
Being a mom to emerging adults, I believe, is even more challenging than when they were small. You have to relinquish control and knowledge, and you spend a lot of time hoping that the life lessons you imparted will stick. You also have to juggle how to help without enabling them to make the same mistakes over and over again.
We are a blended family with three children: Connor (24), Colin (21), and Eva (19). What I love most about being a mom now is the transforming relationships we have as they try to create their independence while still seeking to be connected. I love when they ask “What would you do?” and open the door to a real conversation about life challenges.
Blog
I am excited about the challenge of writing regularly and sharing my perspective as an “experienced mom.” Though I am well beyond diapers, play dates, and kids’ meals, I remember those days well and, with the wonder of hindsight, I can see how things I did — and did not do — inform present-day relationships with my children.
