This has been an exhausting year for moms. Last spring, we had no idea we would still be dealing with this pandemic a year later. It presented difficult decisions, such as in-person school or remote learning, how to work from home while caring for children, or how to pay the bills without work, when to let children visit their grandparents, what to do for birthdays and holidays. Regardless of the decision made, it seemed someone somewhere was judging our choice. But I want you to know, I see you every day doing the best you can.
To all the new moms, I see you when the OB floor was empty of friends and family to celebrate the new life you brought into the world. If you were COVID positive, I see you with your beaming smile behind a mask as you hold your new baby.
Mothers of toddlers, I see you trying to keep little fingers out of mouths as you teach them to wash their hands. I see you attempting to be professional on a Zoom meeting with toddlers giggling and playing in the background.
I see you moms of elementary and middle school children as you took on the role of teacher to keep your kids learning during the shutdown. I see you search for answers to big questions from your children about when things will be “normal” again.
Mothers with high school children, I see you consoling your Juniors and Seniors who missed out on sports seasons, proms and graduation ceremonies that were altered, cut short, or cancelled. I see you advertising prom dresses for sale captioned “only worn once for pictures.”
I see you moms of college age children, yes, they are still your babies, as they prepare to leave the nest for school or a job. This new world experience will not be the same as you remember, yet I see you helping to make the most of it.
Grandmothers, I see you, too! You have two sets of babies to think about, your adult children and your grandchildren. I see you longing for their visits and hugs. And I see you when your family could not be with you in the hospital or nursing home.
Moms, I see you for the force of nature you are as you nurture your family through this pandemic. To quote A.A Milne, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.”
With much compassion and love, Tyler and Allie’s mom (a.k.a. Dr. Kruse).
Jill Kruse, D.O. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota.
