Me and my friend Tiffany are both nannies. We think there should be some sort of recognition for us on Mother's Day. It just doesn't seem fair! When the children we watch are in our care we do just as much, sometimes more, than mom does. When mom and dad are busy with work or other things, we step up to the plate. We are the ones who fill mom's shoes when she's not around to do it herself. We play with, teach, change diapers, feed, wash dishes, do laundry, fix hair, organize, unpack, run errands, write notes, discipline, clean bathrooms.... Go to play dates. Work with the photographer during a photo session. Tiffany's done their grocery shopping. I do therapy and work with the therapist... There is just so much! When we are at work we play the role of stay-at-home mom. Any of you who are moms.... That is a big job! But since we only do it part time (mine is 7am-4pm Monday through Friday) there is no recognition for us on Mother's Day. Soooo many times people have thought Blakely was mine. Sooo many times I've been told how much Blakely looks like she could be mine. People tell me being a nanny will keep me from wanting to have my own, but many times I wish I could say that Blakely is mine. Many times I wonder if I'll ever have my own. Will I play substitute-mom my entire life? Will this be as good as it ever gets? Dressing someone else's child, being told "Your daughter is so pretty." just to always reply "Thank you, but she's not mine, I'm her nanny.". Yes I suppose what inspires this post is jealousy, but as all of you know jealousy can really hurt and this is a place I can vent. Any of you who read my post last year knows last year on Mother's Day I was not left out. Not entirely at least. I was recognized at church for having a mothers heart. Everyone surrounded me and prayed for me because they all know I long to be a mom. But this year.... I couldn't bring myself to face my church on that day. To face everyone again one year later still not a mom.... Sure I'll have to face them all next Sunday, but my lack of motherhood won't be nearly so prevalent on their minds. I was told there were left over potted flowers from church Sunday, and that I can have one.... I don't know which is worse, not getting one or being given the left overs. Why does this holiday have to hurt so much?? Father's Day doesn't even bother me as much as this one. I wonder how much Father's Day will affect my husband this year, it's getting more and more obvious how much he wants kids. I just feel so often like I'm failing my part.... Maybe one day I'll enjoy Mother's Day, but I have a feeling I'll have to be a mom before I do.
P.s. I found out the last week of September is National Nanny Recognition Week. I've been a nanny for 3 years and never knew it existed, so I doubt my now knowing about it will change anything. But if you have a nanny, or know someone who does.... How about a worlds best nanny mug? Or maybe a framed handprint of the child she cares for? Whether it's something big or something small I believe she'll treasure your thoughtfulness, I know it would mean a lot to me.