by Lucinda Ulrich
Daily Lobo Columnist
Every day should be Mother's Day.
Mothers, especially single moms, are the true unsung heroes of America, working tirelessly and often thanklessly every day, trying to make a difference in the lives of their children and ultimately the world.
Before I was a mother, I thought I had enough energy to wrap it around the world and fix the energy problem. I spent my time engaged in quality pursuits - work, then theater, then of course, the all-important party, which usually kept me out until 2 a.m. Then I'd get up the next day and repeat the whole thing again, surviving on numerous cups of coffee and, I suppose, pure adrenaline.
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I co-managed a multi-million dollar testing contract for a standardized testing company, lovingly dubbed "the enemy" by public school students all across the nation, not to mention most of its employees. While the corporate culture was dysfunctional and there was a knot in my stomach the size of Texas every time I drove into the office, at least I could say I was doing something of value. And I was pursuing a creative dream on the side, passionately scratching my way to the top of the creative ladder.
I had purpose, or so I thought. Then I got pregnant with my daughter. It's true, having a baby does change everything.
Now, in spite of my best efforts, most of my conversations revolve around the "munchkin," as she is affectionately called. Topics include the regularity and consistency of her poops, to what she's eaten and when, to when and how long she has napped. My days are full of baby shows that are so bizarre - think "Teletubbies" - I'm certain most of the creators are high on acid when they write them.
It is also full of baby meltdowns, food preparation, grocery shopping, laundry, dish washing and visits to the zoo.
Like most career women, I used to think homemakers were lazy or unambitious. Boy, was I wrong. Homemakers are the hardest working people in our society and the least appreciated. What could be more important than providing a stable home to raise well-adjusted human beings - future generations of teachers, lawyers, doctors and, yes, moms?
All you have to do is watch the nightly news to understand how important good parenting is for society - how many people would be criminals and junkies if they had a stable home life? Yet it is harder than ever to spend the time and effort that is required to be a good parent. Most families can't afford to live on one income and thus sacrifice time with their children in order to keep up with the Joneses.
Being a mother is the toughest, most important job on the planet. In some other countries, parenting receives the respect it deserves. Mothers in Norway get six months to a year paid maternity leave with no worries of losing their position. Here we get six weeks.
Maybe one day America will get its priorities in order and give these hard-working women the respect they deserve.
