As mothers, we often find ourselves torn between nostalgia for days gone by and excitement for what lies ahead. We reminisce about the sweet scent of our babies and eagerly await future milestones — it’s a never-ending cycle. One mother, Jenna Thompson, eloquently captures these bittersweet emotions in a poignant post that highlights the struggle to live in the present and emphasizes the importance of doing so.
In the depths of one sleepless night, Jenna wrote, “It’s 12:03 a.m. My head hits the pillow, and your cries fill the room. Another night, yet the same old routine.” She reflects on the times when her child fit perfectly in her arms, contrasting it with her yearning for uninterrupted sleep. “I miss those tiny outfits and pureed foods, but I can’t wait for family movie nights under the stars,” she shares. It’s a delicate balance of cherishing the past while looking forward to the future, as moms often find themselves with one foot in each realm — mourning their little ones who used to cuddle close while eagerly anticipating the independence their children will eventually gain.
“I yearn for the warmth of your newborn grasp, yet I look forward to the day when you won’t rely on me for every small thing,” she reflects. “Motherhood is a tangled web of longing for what was, being present in the now, and hoping for what’s to come. Honestly, sometimes I struggle to find that balance.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many mothers. There are moments when I gaze at my son and see the same tiny bundle placed in my arms at the hospital, while other times I see the remarkable individual he is becoming. It’s a constant ebb and flow of emotions — grief, love, joy, anxiety, and pride.
Finding the time to pause and truly “live in the moment” can be incredibly difficult. Jenna understands this struggle all too well. “In my yearning for what was, and my anticipation for what will be, I often overlook the present; I push it aside for the five minutes needed to finish a task or the weeks it may take for a challenging phase to pass. I don’t want to miss out on this moment,” she expresses.
Amid the chaos of everyday life, it’s normal for some moments to slip through the cracks. However, Jenna’s heartfelt message serves as a gentle reminder to take a breath and be present — for ourselves and our children. “People often tell parents to ‘enjoy every moment’ without realizing the difficulty of that task,” she explains. Her post aims to shed light on the complexities of motherhood that tug at our heartstrings.
Even though Jenna was reluctant to respond to her child’s midnight cries, she did so willingly, as we mothers do. Within those quiet moments lies a certain magic. “So yes, my heart will always long for the past, and my mind will look ahead, but I will strive to not let these precious moments fade away. Tonight, I’ll linger here with you just a little longer,” she concludes.
In summary, motherhood is a beautiful yet challenging journey filled with emotions that can be both uplifting and heavy. Embracing the present, despite its complications, is essential for both mothers and their children.