In 1996, pregnant with my first child, I decided to not work outside my home and raise my kids. I was certain of my decision and excited to be a stay-at-home mom. I had two more kids by the end of 1999 and my life had changed completely. My role as a wife, mother, daughter, and friend were all affected by this new life I had.

As a wife, I was sharing a new experience with my husband. One that is truly the most amazing experience ever. Kids bring a new sense of love and commitment to a marriage. They are little miracles, but they also require a lot of work, attention, and time. Having 3, very active, kids age 3 and under, was a non-stop job. It was that way for both of us, but primarily me. They brought us so much joy, so many laughs, and even many tears. At the same time, they were causing a lot of animosity between us. He was jealous that I was able to stay at home, and I just wanted some help. By the time our third child was

one, our relationship had changed, we were growing apart from each other, and I was loosing myself to my marriage and my kids.

I think the most important thing that I have learned through all of this is, I was so involved in all of these roles as wife, mother, daughter and friend, and I forgot to be me. For all of these years I was not being true to myself in the sense that I would do whatever I needed to do to make those relationships happy ones, while ignoring what I really needed. It was quite an awakening when I decided to start living my life, and once again my relationships changed as well. My marriage ended, my mother gave me more support and love than before, and my friendships became even stronger. My children have probably been affected the most by my decisions, but I made these decisions keeping their best interest at heart also. I want them to learn, especially my daughter, that no matter where life takes you, always be true to yourself, know who you are, and live your life to the fullest. I hope this is instilled in them early on, so they don’t wake up at 33 and wonder who and where

Some topics in this essay:
, mother daughter friend, live life, daughter friend, wife mother daughter, mother daughter, wife mother,