Dear Dr. Laura,
Three years ago I left my job. Two days later, I found out I was pregnant with my first son. I spent the pregnancy and the first year of his life trying to justify my decision to stay home. I felt guilty and, at times, worthless. I wasn't contributing to my family simply because I didn't bring in an income and was not using my college degree. Sometimes, I was embarrassed to tell people I was a stay-at-home mom. 15 months after my son was born, my husband and I welcomed our second son. I felt more secure in my decision by now, but occasionally I still questioned it.
This past summer, I randomly decided to visit your website! I grew up listening to you on car rides home from school with my mom and now I listen to you every day! I read "In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms" in two days and am currently reading "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands". Because of the support of my parents and your reinforcement, I am proud to say I am a SAHM and will only work during school hours when my children are older! We are now expecting our third child. Yes that's 3 under 3 years old and I will be busy but I will still dedicate some of my time during naps or breastfeeding to your books and talk show.
I am glad I didn't fall for the two income trap or trying to "have it all". In fact, just having my children and my husband makes me realize I do "have it all". The joke is on all the women who are trying to be everything to everyone at once instead of being a mother and a wife. They are the jacks-of-all trades, masters of none. I am an ever-evolving master at my trade.
Thanks for keeping me motivated and helping me realize I am needed and I am important.
Sincerely,
Elaine
