Last week I had to give one of our customers a lift. "Are you a lacrosse mom?" she asked, noticing the decals on my car's rear window. "Yes," I replied, then hesitated. "I guess I would be considered a retired lax mom since (sigh) all my lacrosse players are now out of the house..." Used to be I was a lacrosse mom with a capital L. Booster club business! Shuffling boys & girls game schedules! Out-of-town tournaments! $$$ spent on summer camps!.... it was enough to make one's head spin.
There once was a time when I knew the latest releases on equipment, and the newest trends in uniforms for girls and boys. I knew the names of all the area high school coaches. I read my sons' Inside Lacrosse magazine each month. I was on a first name basis with local lax vendors (which isn't all that remarkable as there weren't very many in Georgia then.)
After 15 years of lacrosse involvement, I really am a retired lax mom. As a mother, I am also no longer in charge of my children's school, medical and general life schedules. Sitting in the waiting room not too long ago, I realized that I used to see my dentist and her staff at least eight times a year (or more) when there were three children in the mix. Now, I no longer nag anybody about homework, projects, chores, or filling out college applications. I don't even get to manage birthday party invitations. Does that mean I am a retired mom? With the most intense part of motherhood behind me now, am I still an active mom?
I think back to that day when my first child was born: the nurse handed me a tiny bundle wrapped in flannel and I hit the ground running, suddenly anointed with a new job title. Twenty-plus years later (how the heck did that happen-- whoa slap me--) finds me shopping for a new job description. I am trying to find my place in the next stage of life, as my job as a mom fades into the background. I'm melting... I'm melting...
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