With this being the Womens’ issue of Livelihood, celebrating Women's History, I asked Erin if she would like to write my column for this month. She politely declined.
I suppose every Daddy Debrief column I’ve written has been about her or at least half about her.
More than half really. She grew him inside for nine months.
When Finn was born, Erin went through a long arduous labor (52 hours to be exact) I remember thinking I would never accomplish anything in my life that would even come close to matching what she went through.
I also couldn’t help wondering: if all the fathers throughout history had been in the room to witness their wives going through labor, would equal rights for women still be so difficult to achieve?
I mean, how do you witness that and still go away thinking males are the superior sex?
And if there are any doubts, those would be erased if you are even half aware of what a mother has to endure those first several months after birth. The baby is on them 24/7. If the mother is breastfeeding as Erin was, or constantly caring for the baby, they are doing so while recovering from labor and dealing with the rollercoaster of hormones in their body.
As a Dad, I could offer relief by taking Finn for short periods of time or occasional bottle feeding. But for the majority of our waking hours it was Mommy time.
Gradually there were stretches where I could take him for longer periods. Especially when he started on solid food and the breastfeeding became less frequent.
But as many Dads have experienced I’m sure, I was always second fiddle to Mommy and you knew it the moment she walked into the room.
And Erin has always been up to the task. From reading every available book on parenthood to being obsessed with giving Finn the very best nutrition, beginning with growing, making and freezing his baby food before he was born. She has been the kind of Mom you win in the Mommy lottery.
We recently visited my own Mother who is getting on in years now. My Dad passed a little over a year ago and her care-taking of him over the last few years has taken a toll on her.
My Mom and I have always had somewhat of a psychic link. I could often tell when she was thinking of me and most times when I call her she answers saying, “I was just thinking about you!”
Which is more impressive when you know that she has five other children, a dozen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren she could be thinking about.
Growing up I remember my Mom always juggling motherhood, household management as well as a full-time job. She has been retired for many years but stays active by singing with her church choir.
They say men marry their mothers. Though not completely accurate, there are similarities.
Strength, determination… Beautiful singing voice…Juggling work and motherhood effortlessly.
What are the chances of Father and son both winning the Mommy lottery?