It is almost upon us, that one day a year when we are appreciated for all we do day in and out all year long. A day when we salute our mothers and our children and families show us how much they adore us and all that we do for them. This is our day, our special day where we will be honored, or so we hope they remember, at least the night before. Mother’s Day can be somewhat bittersweet for me. I have fantasies that my children won’t fight, the house will be spotless just one day, all meals will be prepared and cleaned up by my family, there will be no piles of dirty or clean laundry taunting me and last but not least, I hope they remember. This is the one and only “holiday” where I do not plan, buy presents, wrap, invite family over for dinner, and all that “Mom” generally does to prepare. I leave it up to my husband and kids, hence why I say it can be bittersweet.
Today I want to celebrate ALL of my mom friends and tell them how much I love and respect them and the job that they are doing. (Even if it is a day early, I think you deserve an extra day or two.) I want to give them all a big hug and congratulate them on making it another year without running away or selling the family dog that threw up one to many times on the carpet. I want to ensure them all that we are not perfect all the time, but in the eyes of our children we are pretty darn close, unless you have a premenstrual daughter that just wishes you dead this week. (Tell her to get over it, at least for today, because in a few days she will love you again.)
As a side note I feel like I need to publicly tell my mom how sorry I am for being such a turd when I was a teen… Paybacks are hell, my mom has lived to see it with my girls first hand and I know that she is lovin’ it too. Happy Mother’s Day Mom!
Today for our Smarty Mom Saturday I want to spotlight, again, a mom and friend of mine that is so very deserving of the perfect day that Mother’s Day should bring. She is a “semi single” mom, I say this because she has the perfect “village” that aids her every step. She works full time, but I assure you that entails way more than 40 hours a week. And drum roll please…
She just received her Masters in Social Work last week.
Smarty Mom, Sheri Lynch, she may not feel so Smarty all the time, and not afraid to admit it either. She is real, honest and open to everyone that listens to her trials and tribulations on mommyhood and life on her syndicated morning radio hit show, The Bob and Sheri Show. She has accomplished one of her dreams. I hope that all of you will borrow some of her will and determination as you read about her past 2 years, and follow whatever dreams you have. Turn your dreams into reality smarty moms, no matter what obstacles you may think are holding you back.
“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney
Why did you want to get your master degree in social work?
First, I have tremendous love and respect for the profession of social work. I think it’s as much a calling as it is anything else, and I was definitely called. I wanted to have the skills and training to truly help people, to make a real difference. I knew the MSW was the degree for me – I just didn’t know how brutally hard it would be to get!
How long did it take you?
Two years. I was in a full-time program, which I admit is more than a little insane. But it was the only program that fit my already crazy schedule, so I jumped in. Figured, anyone can do anything for two years, right?
Favorite class and will it give you life skills that you will be able to use?
Psychopathology! And yes, it’s already paid huge dividends. Therapeutic skills are pretty awesome, especially when your kids hit middle school…
What was your biggest challenge?
The schedule. The MSW requires about 700 hours in a field placement, plus classes. So I basically had my FT job, my PT placement, classes, children, laundry, pets, family drama, laundry, oh and, laundry. Plus countless papers to write. I’m starting to shake just remembering it.
Any surprises along the way?
Here’s one: doing this appears to have rewired my central nervous system, okay? I need less sleep than I ever have, I get more done, I’m like, bionic now. Also, I can now exist entirely on caffeine, chia seeds, Cliff Bars, and wine. Who knew?
If you rewind to right before you embarked on this adventure, would you do it again and is there anything you would change?
I’m glad I didn’t know how hard it would be. If I’d known, I might have hesitated or worse, not tried at all. The thing is, I had so much love and support getting me through this. My girls were amazing – we’d all do homework together. My partner Kevin was relentless about my not giving up when things were so hard. My classmates, my profs, everyone at my placement – that positive energy really can and does propel you forward. I wish I could have been kinder to myself, maybe not pushed myself so hard. But who are we kidding?
What’s next?
An epic snooze. Epic. Then we’ll see…
1 comment
LOVE Sheri! I always knew she was such a gifted writer (I miss her blogs!) and radio host, how cool that she is going to make a difference in so many lives being a social worker. Sheri rocks!