“Because of paid leave, I didn’t have to make the hard choices thousands of parents have to make in this country. The choice between caring for myself and my child physically, or caring for us both financially. The choice between halting my career and having a child. The choice between staying or going while I looked a new little human in the eyes.”
Edited By Elizabeth Grow
“Until one day I realized, ‘Like hell I did nothing!’ I am raising two AMAZING human beings. I kept this house together from the moment we bought it. And I looked death in the face and said, ‘Not today. Maybe someday, but NOT TODAY.'”
Edited By Devon Ledbetter
“In our society, a mother suffers guilt no matter what she does. If you listen to everyone else, you’re always going to fall short.”
Edited By Sophia San Filippo
“No matter how much time passes, as our babies turn into kids, and then teens, and eventually adults, we will continue to stare. Time ceases to exist, and every single worry, all the bad in this world, blurs into the background like an unfocused photograph.”
Edited By Elizabeth Grow
“I want them to remember when I taught them to ride a two-wheeler. And that I practiced their spelling words with them every single morning. I want them to think of fun zoo trips and every single Muffins With Mom event at school.”
Edited By Devon Ledbetter
“Her diagnosis sent us reeling, but we decided we wouldn’t define Shaina by her condition but by her sunshine personality.”
Edited By Sonia Beltz
“I want his chubby toddler arms around my neck, his contagious giggles. I want him to blow me a kiss from his bed. I want his grass-stained pants and scabby knees. I want his sunshine smile.”
Edited By Elizabeth Grow