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On Being a Working Mom

I grew up in a household where both parents worked, albeit separate shifts until my sister and I were both in school. Mom worked nights and dad worked days - we would all meet in the parking lot of mom's work to switch cars and parents. From the outside looking in the setup may have appeared a bit strange, but it worked for us and this is how our parents choose the logistics in order to avoid daycare.

Now that I am back at work I have struggled with the reality of leaving my child with someone else everyday. It's not that I don't trust the caregivers, heck, they are family for goodness sake, its just the fact that I am not the one taking care of her. I miss our experiences together.

I keep coming back to something Karen Nyberg said before launching to the International Space Station in 2013, "But after going through it in my head for a long time, this is a dream I had since I was a young child myself. I don't think I would be setting a very good example for my son if I were to give up on my dream."

This is exactly how I feel about being Zara's mom. I want her to dream big. I want to help straighten paths towards her goals. I want her to know that she can do anything - that she can make a difference in the world. And I want to be her role model. I'm not saying being a working mom is the right choice for everyone, but it is for me - I have wanted to work at NASA since I was 6 years old, and now I do! I like to think that our relationship is mutually beneficial -


She is my anchor and I am working to be her wings!

Spread those arms baby, I can't wait to watch you fly!

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Comments

  1. AnonymousTuesday, May 31, 2016

    Being able to be a workinig Mom is never an easy decision. Eveyone has to be happy with their choice of working or not. Think about the shoe on the other foot... the dad.. working or staying at home with the children??!! I'm glad that you are happy with your decision. I just love the pics of Zara the little stinker!! Love, Aunt Vicki

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  2. GeevzThursday, June 02, 2016

    We need women going on ALL different paths! I need my daughter and my sons to see women excelling as CEOs, doctors, ISS pilots!, welders, HVAC techs, etc. And we need moms and dads at home to be volunteers at the elementary school or to watch extra kids for the 2 hrs between the end of school and the end of work. We need them all and I hope you know that you are doing important work no matter what. The beauty is, we never have to stick to just one path either. I hope you can find full enjoyment in this season of life no matter where it takes you.

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