One morning I was given a job. It came with a title.
I knew it was going to be a demanding one. I had read and been told so much about how to do the job. Watched others. None of it prepared me for it. Because in spite of all the advice, I learned the job on the fly. There were far too many days when I had no idea what I was doing, even less of what I was going to do next.
Not going to lie, there were days where I know I messed up royally. And while even now, after holding this position for decades, I still sometimes question my abilities for this job. I do the job anyway. Most days I think to myself, I’ve done my best, I continue to do my best and it’s not a bad job at all.
One morning I was given a job. It came with a title.
And unlike marriage, it’s a job and a role that not even death can part.
The job: parent. The title: Mother.
Over recent years I am, or have been, the emotional parent of sorts to several, not even close to being called children, a few of whom who refer to me in matriarchal terms.
I am the biological mother of two.
But only one can be my first.
One morning I was given a job. It came with a title.
No, that’s not accurate. I wasn’t given a job and a title.
One morning, a bundle was placed in my arms, and I was honored with the job and title for the very first time.
Sometimes I swear that morning was just yesterday, a week ago at the most.
Happy 40th Birthday, my first sun.
Day 3 of 31 – Come see how the rest of us are slicing it up today!
15th Annual Slice of Life Writing Challenge
Two Writing Teachers
Raivenne-lations 
I was honored with that job and title 40 years ago too. “And unlike marriage It’s a job and a role that not even death can part.” I love this line! Even though my mom has passed she still has that title and job – just from a different place.
“…just from a different place” a place it’s very true. Thanks.
Happy birthday to your “sun”. I love the way you build this before revealing your job and title. I can’t think of any other job or title that brings so much joy, heartache, trepidation, and thrill. “Mother” is a title you bear for life and it can never be taken from you.
“…so much joy, heartache, trepidation, and thrill” So very true!
Thank you.
Your post made me feel the parent/child connection that I am so missing since my mom passed away a few months ago. Reading how soft and poetic your words are had me wishing my mom was here to wish me something, even if only to tell me she’s ok and that I will be. Thank you for connecting the parent/child bond with such unique words.
Why thank you!
What a beautiful slice. The poetic form worked so well. I kept guessing at the beginning till I got to :”The job: parent. The title: Mother.” This is a tribute to motherhood a job that we fall into and do our very best for our lil’ ones, well some not so lil’.
Thank you, Juliette.
I am slicing Mom Stories with none so eloquent as yours.
Your lines, “I still sometimes question my abilities for this job. I do the job anyway.” resonate. Thank you for a lovely piece.
Thank you!