An unexpected boost
Daily Show was another repeat. Gossip Girls thankfully is not a nightly occurrance. I was left with Dr. Phil for my hour on the elliptical. Today's topic: Moms who hate being moms. Yeehah.
The first two guests have some legitimate, serious, monumental challenges. The first were parents of a girl they adopted 6 years ago from the Ukraine. The child had emotional issues but also physical challenges - her leg was amputated and she needed a prosthetic; she had fingers missing on one hand making it hard for her to grip They adopted her and the main issue has been the Mom never felt bonded with her. It was sad to hear her talk about it, and it make me feel grateful that I've got such a strong bond with Bobbin. I love Bobbin with my entire being. I love her as much as the universe is big. And every second of every minute of every day of every year I love her more. She is my girl.
The second woman was a mother raising a severely downs syndrome and severely autistic child of 12, still in diapers at 96lbs, barely capable of communicating, and all o the other challenges that come with severe autism as well as severe downs syndrome. Her life as she saw it before her, was about taking care of an infant for the rest of her entire life and wondering what happens then. She clearly loved him, as did her husband, and the guilt and conflict was tearing her apart. I felt so helpless on her behalf. I don't know what I would do. And I am so very grateful that I don't have to know what I would do. I am blessed.
The third mother was a mother of 4 kids. In her own words, by most standards she lived a great life - great home, they had money, great jobs, etc. The kids were pretty chaotic and they kept her chasing them, and she was just exhausted. And Dr. Phil told her what many have told me - take some time out for yourself; don't feel guilty about doing it; you are a better mom when you have had time to recharge and come back joyful and reenergized, then if you're just staying in the grind day after day.
Yeah - so a bit of a rollercoaster ride I got for free with my elliptical workout but it ended on an up note in that I did really feel grateful for what I do have and I'm not a bad mom for wanting time to myself on a regular basis.
Good lord; Dr Phil actually had something useful to say. Blech. I'll be glad when the Daily Show starts broadcasting new episodes again.
I did 60 minutes. I also must admit to consuming a philly cheesesteak grinder at the work cafeteria today for lunch. I so didn't need that. I know that.
Comments
I saw the first bit of that episode before going to my running clinic. The little girl from the Ukraine had been diagnosed with "reactive attachment disorder". It is not particularly common, but when it does occur it is usually in children who have not had the chance to bond with a caregiver at a young age, i.e., children who have been severely neglected, abused, and (or) abandoned.
Posted by Sarah on August 20, 2008 5:12 AM.