Super Mom

Mommies can fix things.

At the age of 4, Brittany spent one morning watching me attempt to dig around our broken sprinkler with a trowel.

We had just settled into our new home and I was determined to make life seem much like it had before the divorce.

“We need Daddy,” she said, her little face solemn.

“No, Sweet Pea, what we need is a proper shovel.” I stood and wiped my muddy hands on a rag. “We just need the correct tools and a little advice. Let’s go to the hardware store.”

Brittany sat in the seat of a gigantic cart at the store and listened as I explained what I thought the problem was.

“We really need a daddy,” she said again. “Could you come and fix it for us?”

I smiled at the older gentleman who was assisting us. “Brittany doesn’t know that mommies can fix things just as well as daddies.” I gave him a prompting look, hoping he’d pick up the thread.

“Well, sizing your mom up, I’d say she has as good a chance of fixing it as I do.”

Super Mom

We left the store with a big shovel, a pink tool kit, PVC pipe, and glue.

I followed all the directions and glued the pipes in place.

After allowing time for the glue to dry, I turned the sprinkler on and watched for leaks. “Look, sweetie,” I crowed. “I fixed it!” I filled the hole with dirt and pressed it back in place with the shovel.

“Mommy, you did it!” Brittany danced around me as I patted down a chunk of sod.

 

With the absence of Brittany’s father, I was determined to be a positive role model for Brittany. I wanted her to see me fix the sprinkler, mow the lawn,  and trim the bushes. I wanted her to know that we would be okay on our own.

Brittany grew to be confident, independent, intelligent, adventurous, and determined.  She was capable. Capable of doing anything she wished, without needing a man by her side to “fix” things. I have to believe that the formative years she spent watching me work full-time, care for her, and run the household on my own, forever impacted the woman she became.

A woman that changed the world. A woman that bravely shared her story. A woman that stared into the eyes of those that disagreed. A woman that spoke for those unable to speak. A woman that made a difference.

I like to think a little bit of that spunk was her momma shining through. “Supermom” created a “Supergirl”.

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Book Club Talking Points:

Part One – Catastrophe

1. Foreboding 3 – Click Foreboding to see last weeks discussion topics.
2. Bad News 15
3. Willful Child 29
4. Not on the Same Page 35
5. The Two of Us 43

1.) After the divorce, I found myself responsible for yard work and fixing things in our home. I was determined to show Brittany that women could take care of themselves. Have you ever done something you were proud of, whether it be fixing a leaky faucet or trimming the hedges on your own? Have you ever completed a task to prove your own ability?

2.) In this chapter, I mentioned some things about my own childhood. One of things I mentioned was that I place my drinking glasses mouth-side-down because that’s how my family did it during the Dust Bowl. Do you have any specific habits you picked up from your own family?

3.) I mentioned the use of books to guide Brittany through the divorce and as a means of “escape”. What were some of your own childhood favorites? Did you share any special books with your own child?

Please continue to keep me updated on the conversations taking place in your book clubs. It brings me much peace to know that Brittany’s life might continue to open hearts and minds.

Hugs,

Deb