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06/16/2015
Dear Dr. Laura,
I was so moved by something my daughter's friend said today that I am still reeling from it. I put myself through 8 years of higher education, but when my daughters were born I chose to put my hard-earned career on the back burner. Once they went to school I started seeing patients again, 12 hours a week while they were gone or their dad was home.
Flash forward a decade or so. Our girls, now 17 and 18, had a friend stop over right after school today. She stared open-mouthed as I made a huge fruit and cheese plate as a snack, and then chatted and laughed with them as I prepared dinner. During a lull in the chaos, she quietly said, "Is your house like this every day? Like you are home and make the girls snacks and food and catch up with them? I don't think my mom has ever been home after school, and I can't remember the last time she prepared or ate dinner with me." She just looked so sad. Dr. Laura, my heart just wept for this young lady. She is so smart, kind and funny; not only is she missing out on the parenting front, they are missing out on her.
So if any of your listeners think their kids don't need them at any age, they are so, so wrong. Our youngest will go off to college in a year, and though I know we will always be close, I will miss these spontaneous magic moments of togetherness.
A bright spot in this story of a sad young girl, missing her mom? As she was walking out the door she paused, turned back to me and said, "Someday, I'm going to be a mom just like you".
Thank you for your tough-love in supporting and encouraging parents to do the right thing. I am forever grateful for the Dr. Laura voice I have in my head - it has made me a better wife and mother. Of that, I am certain.
Best,
Tania
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