I am sunburned today.
Yes, I, a plastic surgeon who champions the benefits of sunscreen, am sunburned. Why? Yesterday we went to an outdoor festival. In the flurry of morning activity to arrive on time, I remembered a lot. I remembered to bathe, dry, and dress my kids. I remembered to feed them a good breakfast, so they have energy for the day. I remembered to sunscreen all of my kids. I remembered to bring a bag with camera/diapers/wipes/pacifiers/extra sunscreen/drinks/jackets/anything they could possibly want or need for the next 3 hours (you know the bag- the giant sherpa bag you could likely live off of for weeks which is permenantly attached to your shoulder as a mom). I remembered all of my kids (of course the most important thing).
But I forgot something. I forgot to put sunscreen on me.
It was a magical day. My kids were in heaven. We all had a fantastic time. It wasn’t until I got home hours later and saw myself that I discovered my error. Ouch.
I don’t think I realized how much love and time and devotion it takes to be a mom until I had children. How you think of them and their comfort before your own.
Mother’s Day blogs are a hard one for me. There are so many things I want to say. A week ago I was thinking about all the “mompreneurs.” I have been inspired by the women I have been meeting with their own clothing design companies, photography studios, internet sites, and jewelry design. I wanted to highlight the power and creativity of women, who are mothers and inspiring entrepreneurs. The new face of business. Girl power.
Then I was thinking about our kid’s school and the amazing PTA and foundation which raises money to support the school. We have parades and festivals and the most over the top auction you can imagine. The amount of work to do it all is amazing. As you know in California, school funding is not so good. Our school would be radically different if it weren’t for the effort of these women.
I can’t say it all in a blog. I am honored to know the mothers I know. I hope you take today to breathe. Slow down. Savor the moments… those Aha! moments where your child is laughing or tells you something beautiful or gives a spontaneous “I love you” … savor the moments.
I am savoring my sunburn. It was a stunning day I got to spend with my family. I am so lucky to be a mom.
Happy Mother’s Day.