Today, we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an African American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. Although I am familiar with many of Dr. King's great accomplishments, I must admit that I had never read his "I Have a Dream" speech in its entirety until this weekend.
Dr. King's incredibly powerful words moved me to tears.
However, his speech also got me thinking, what are my dreams? What do I hope for, especially as a mother?
After a bit of time this morning, I believe I managed to collect my thoughts on the matter...
I have a dream that one day I will be able to get my hair cut and colored more than twice a year and that personal care appointments will be a part of my normal routine, rather than a reason to shout from the rooftops, “I am getting waxed today!”
I have a dream that one day, at every grocery store I visit, strangers will turn to me and say, “My, your children are so well behaved. How do you do it all and still manage to look so fabulous?” As opposed to, “Huh, it is never easy, is it?”, “What did you do, pinch your baby to make her cry?”, or my favorite, “You look like one tired Mom.”
I have a dream that one day my son will turn to me and say, "Yes, Mama, I would love to use the toliet, instead of my diaper," thereby eliminating the need for my son to wear my daughter's diapers whenever my supply dwindles down to nothing.
I have a dream that my two little children will one day not tear the house apart minutes after I have finished cleaning it and that a floor without crumbled bits of crackers, cookies, and partially eaten food will not seem like a distant memory.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, when my husband asks me, “How was your day?” my response will be something more than, “The children are still alive and that is enough.”
I have a dream that one day, when I get dressed in the morning, I can do so without an audience or four little hands trying to hold onto me while I put on my underwear.
I have a dream today.
And if I am to become the patient, independent, and fun-loving Mom that I aspire to be, then these things must be true.
So let my freedom ring.
-Francesca
Monday, January 19, 2009
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42 comments:
Wow, I am actually the first comment! Ok, your post had me in tears because I was laughing so hard!I could barely read, man I am so there with you! I know what you mean about the personal care apts, I do the same thing, thanks for the laughs to start my day!
That was too funny!
Seriously, people say that stuff to you? Yikes.
That day will come. It will come. It may seem like just a dream now but it will happen. And probably sooner than you realize. I love this post!
I will dream on with you... lol, everything you said has happened to me. I will also dream that my two year old will learn to eat something that doesn't contain no less than three kinds of sugar.
Just this very morning I dreamed of at least three of those things happening one day ( getting my hair done with regularity instead of a 'gift', getting dressed without my son telling me "I can see your privates!", and my son embracing the toilet! It will happen... it will!
Good write Francesca! That cracked me up.
Thanks for your kind complements and frequent comments - they give me good blog self-esteem!
Oh my gosh!! We have the same dreams!! As I was reading each one I was thinking o myself--wow--that is SO my dream too!! One dream that I also have is being able to go to the store ALONE. Only 3 more years....
Ah, yes...the joys of motherhood :o)...lol! I too can relate, except mine is getting older and so now I have to deal with the issues of a 6 yr old who is quite the "Drama Queen!!". She would be soooo mad if she knew I put that..lol!
Dream on! That was so funny, because as the experienced mom and mema that I am, I know some of those things won't happen. But eh, keep wishing if it makes you happy. Have a great day!
Very powerful! I'll reveal why I got married at 21 Wednesday before the new Twirl. It was just something I made up as a sample question, but people are actually curious! :)
I have a dream that I can get a decent amount of sleep and not wake up at 7 AM on a day I don't have to go to work.
You're just not doing it right, that's all. Step it up, Francesca, step it up. ;) ;) ;) LOLOLOLLOOLL
Lofty dreams, my friend, lofty dreams! I have almost forgotten what it is like to use the bathroom alone. THAT is my dream.
It's coming, my friend! Just keep your eye on the prize!
Very creative! Great post!
Yes, my dreams are so similar. I think they'll begin to be fulfilled in the next couple years, though. And then I might just miss the little hands being so enamored of my underwear while I get dressed. Or not.
Excellent list. I used to have a dream that I would never be like my mother. That ship has sailed.
How did you steal my dreams? This post is ridiculously RIGHT on target and should be read by every mother in the whole entire world :)
Oh yes, the dreams of a mother are few and far between but, hopefully well within your grasp. Perfect list!! I HATE it when someone says to me "You ok? you look tired." and it is on the heels of my first 8 hour sleep night.
Why do I always have to be the bearer of bad news?
You need to aim a little bit lower on the dream scale. I had a dream that I would be able to take a shower before 12:00PM today. Did it happen? I think not.
Did you not get the handbook? We are not allowed to shower, wax, or brush our teeth the day kids come into our lives.
hugs and mocha,
Stesha
Wow, you certainly do dream big! This was fun. Really fun!
I have a dream that one day, Bitchy and i will actually be able to spend more than ten minutes together without a knock down drag out.
I have a dream that Sassy's voice will not be at TEN DECIBELS every minute of the day.
I have a dream that one day my dogs will stop barking at every damn person that walks on the bike path behind our house.
BE QUIET DOGS!!!!!!!!
Yep, I'm thinkin just about every mom can relate to this! My kids are getting older and finally understand the whole privacy thing. Of course, my oldest is humiliated by my very presence, but that's another story ;)
Oh, and just a side note... those are my bushman brows :D But you have to forgive them... I was boogie boarding and had just wiped out REALLY BAD. As I tumbled into shore the flower floated by... so I had my brother take a pic. But the brows are a little unruly in that photo because of the wipe out. Although, I keep my brows thicker than most ;)
M'kay... that last like should say "I do keep my brows thicker than most"... sigh. My brain will work again someday... I hope!
Haha! This is awesome!
Love it!
Hoping your dreams come true in 2009!
And the winner is Jesua and Judas, because before all is said and done, one will betray the other.
hug and mocha,
Stesha
thanks for the laugh amidst my tears
Wow....our dreams our very similar!!! I too dream of a relaxing haircut, shower, and bathroom break!
Your post rocks as usual! Oh yeah I got your note about the BlogFrog. I still don't know if I really like that widget..I almost think it might keep people from visiting often since they might show up on there several times. I think it may be better for bigger time blogs like MckMama.....
What an amazing post. I share your dreams.
Wow, that was like looking into a mirror.
I loved your post, and it all rang very true to me. How funny.
Thanks for dropping by for a visit yesterday. Nice to meet you.
That was too funny!!
One day all those things will happen and then you will be thinking man, I wish they were still that little again!!
It really is true, you blink and there 13, 9 and 6!!
Oh, you girls crack me up!!! Beleive me you will blink your eyes and those little kiddies will be gone, but then they get married and come back home with their kids and it all starts all over again. I actually have a dream that Papa and I can, shall I say get friskie w/o my daughter and her husband downstairs listening. That is so wrong!! Anyway speaking of my daughter, when her hubby is a big lawyer they are moving to San Fran. How about this too. She is a fab hair stylist!!!! Yeah that's right!! I have people stop me in the street to ask who does my hair. I also have people stop me in the street to ask who does my waxing. (I wear really short skirts.) Kidding. Well I have rambled enough. Thanks for the laughs!!
From one bay area girl to another....I wish we could say to people listen I think I showered twice this entire week, back off:) I love your blog!
Francesca, I just got your comment on my blog, and I think it's a great idea. I love the 10 questions, and I agree, it would make a good post in and of itself. I don't have access to my e-mail right now, but I'll try to send you a message tonight...
Deb :)
You're hilarious, my friend. :)
You are a hoot! I'm with you with the hair cut and color more than twice a year... just never seems to happen for me. :)
"And still manage to look so fabulous!" That is the best thing that I've read today!
May your dream echo to the homes and ears of every mother in America. My dream? To use the bathroom and not have anyone scream my name or knock on the door.
Ha! You and I have many of the same dreams...although I don'tthink they will come true until the kids are in college!
Funny. I share the same dreams!
Awesome post. :)
great post! and like many who commented before me, I have the same dream!
Thanks for the comment (and to answer your question, I use adobe photoshop elements)! I will put this blog on my reader - it's so fun (and Lucia & Giancarlo are ADORABLE!!)!
Now (a few days late) I am off to read Dr. King's speech!!
I love it! Great post! Thank you for stopping by my blog so long ago. I am sorry it took so long to comment back. I have been on your site a few times & this is my first comment.
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