5. Melanie Blair Q&A
1. What does being a mom mean to you?
Being a Mom means getting to see all the joys and wonders in the world through my children’s eyes. It means wanting to be the kindest and best version of myself. It means loving and being loved unconditionally. It means on a day to day level...being tired, sometimes grumpy and never left alone, and then, in one special moment, realizing that it’s all completely worth it. It is always worth it.
Being a Mom means getting to see all the joys and wonders in the world through my children’s eyes. It means wanting to be the kindest and best version of myself. It means loving and being loved unconditionally. It means on a day to day level...being tired, sometimes grumpy and never left alone, and then, in one special moment, realizing that it’s all completely worth it. It is always worth it.
2. What is the hardest thing you've done being a mother?
I have lived and survived the loss of a child. Planning a funeral for a 9 month old baby was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure. I was incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many that loved me and helped me during the hardest days of my life. It was a time in my life that I knew I had to fight for any kind of strength to show my older children the importance of continuing to move forward in life. It was a time in my life when I felt as though the world around me was moving at such a rapid pace but my own little world was standing still in a very sad and lonely state. So there were, and still are, days that are very hard, but it is important for me to continue to show up for life so that my children can continue to move forward and grow in theirs.
3. What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
5. Do you feel like your purpose has shifted before and after becoming a mom?
I have lived and survived the loss of a child. Planning a funeral for a 9 month old baby was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure. I was incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many that loved me and helped me during the hardest days of my life. It was a time in my life that I knew I had to fight for any kind of strength to show my older children the importance of continuing to move forward in life. It was a time in my life when I felt as though the world around me was moving at such a rapid pace but my own little world was standing still in a very sad and lonely state. So there were, and still are, days that are very hard, but it is important for me to continue to show up for life so that my children can continue to move forward and grow in theirs.
3. What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
Milestones...all the milestones. Nothing too big or too small. There is no greater joy than being able to see your child grow and develop into their own individuality. Being able to help nurture and support that is an honor that I don’t take lightly. Our family is all too familiar with the idea of “life is too short” because for us that is our reality. So I try to remind myself that it’s ok to say YES! some days and the mess just means fun is being had (I’m working on the whole mess thing).
4. Is there a moment or event that changed the way you view motherhood?
4. Is there a moment or event that changed the way you view motherhood?
Sadly yes! Losing Charlie was a turning point in my life when I realized I wasn’t going to get back time with my children. I had to stop and take some time to reprioritize my life and where I was expelling all my energy. This was a time when I didn’t have a lot of energy to give and I needed to spend it where it was really going to make a difference. That difference was at home with my family. I needed to focus on our well being and mental health. This is when I “attempted” to have more “yes” days than “no” days (within reason, of course) and embrace the mess. I am a work in progress, but I am so grateful to have had this time with my children.
5. Do you feel like your purpose has shifted before and after becoming a mom?
Absolutely! My purpose as a person continues to shift with each passing phase and life experience. With each passing experience or trauma, you are then faced with the important decision of how you embrace this new “normal” for yourself.
6. How do you reset?
6. How do you reset?
I walk! Taking a walk and doing some self reflection along the way has been a way that allows me to hit the reset button. I have found if I can start my day with some alone time and self reflection than my day typically feels better for me.
7. Where do you find your strength during challenging times?
7. Where do you find your strength during challenging times?
My children. Honestly, they were the ones that pushed me to get up every day and continue to get up every day and try to do my best. I don’t always succeed, but I am self aware and a constant work in progress. They deserve to see me continue to get up and push forward. They are my greatest miracle!
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Acts of Kindness for Charlie
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