A heartfelt message from a mom, “I Am The Keeper,” brilliantly highlights the mental burden of being a mother. This mental load is often challenging to express, especially to those who haven’t experienced motherhood. The countless responsibilities we juggle daily to maintain our families and homes can be overwhelming.
Mom Lisa Reynolds truly understands this struggle. Recently, she took to her blog’s Facebook page to share a poignant tribute to all mothers, whom she affectionately refers to as “The Keepers.”
“I am the keeper,” she begins. “I am the keeper of schedules, practices, games, and lessons. I manage projects, parties, and dinners. I am responsible for appointments and homework assignments.”
Managing everything in a household with children of any age is a Herculean task, often falling predominantly on one parent—usually the mother. But being “The Keeper” goes beyond just overseeing homework and snacks; it encompasses a wide range of emotional and physical responsibilities.
We are the ones who mend scrapes and bruises, providing comfort that no one else can replicate. As our children’s first teachers in kindness and manners, we strive to maintain peace and harmony at home because no one else can mediate disputes or console a distressed child quite like a “keeper” can.
“I am the keeper of rituals and memories. Of pumpkin patches and Easter egg hunts. I capture the moments through pictures, collect special ornaments, and write letters,” Reynolds shares. “I am the keeper of emotional security—the source of comfort, the navigator of tough moods, the holder of secrets, and the soother of fears.”
If you find yourself a bit teary-eyed right now, you are not alone.
“I am the keeper of worry. Both theirs and my own. I carry the weight of the good and the bad, the significant and the small, the beautiful and the challenging.”
Reynolds’ moving message encapsulates the difficulty of balancing our mental and emotional duties. “Many of us Keepers—whether parents or not—often wonder how we are measuring up,” she explains.
Indeed, we frequently question whether our parenting and household management methods are effective. “Our only benchmark is the happiness and well-being of our loved ones,” she remarks.
In her post, Reynolds articulates why being a “keeper” is arguably the most taxing part of motherhood. “Most of the time, the weight of these responsibilities feels like the lighter elements on the periodic table—uplifting, and giving me a sense of purpose. But at times, that weight can feel like a lead anchor, dragging me down until I’m gasping for air,” she writes.
This relentless cycle of worrying, remembering, juggling, and analyzing contributes to sleepless nights and unresolved anxieties as we focus on alleviating everyone else’s burdens first. The pressure of these responsibilities is often “invisible and intangible,” so our mental load can go unnoticed by those around us. We don’t seek accolades; sometimes, we just want to be acknowledged.
“My partner and my boys are loving and generous, and they care for me deeply,” she reflects. “This is undoubtedly the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. Yet, at times, being the Keeper is draining. It can feel like a solitary endeavor.”
Motherhood is incredibly enriching and fulfilling, yet it can also feel isolating. At times, it seems like we’ve drifted away from our former selves and the outside world. This sense of disconnection is part of being a “keeper.” Everyone relies on us to be the linchpin that holds the family together, often overlooking our contributions.
That’s why Reynolds’ words resonate with “keepers” everywhere. “To all of you who are keepers, I see you. I understand the heaviness of your responsibilities. I recognize the unseen work you do, which, though it doesn’t come with a paycheck or sick leave, is what keeps the world turning. I see you, and I salute you.”
This article was originally published on Sep. 21, 2017.
If you’re exploring the journey of parenthood, check out our post on couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination for helpful insights. For those interested in at-home solutions, explore the at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit, a trusted resource. Additionally, for comprehensive information on fertility treatments, visit March of Dimes, an excellent support for anyone considering pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Lisa Reynolds captures the essence of motherhood’s mental load, articulating both the beauty and the challenges of being a “keeper.” Her heartfelt tribute reminds us all of the unseen work that sustains families and the importance of recognizing those who carry this weight.
Keyphrase: mental load of motherhood
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]