Motherhood and friendship: The beauty of different seasons

When my four kids were in diapers and pull-ups, I needed mom friends to sit with me in survival mode and talk about the mundane and messy stuff of motherhood. Friends who understood the gift of a caramel macchiato at the doorstep when I didn’t have makeup or a bra on. Friends I could tell, “I blew it today. What about you?”

This season of friendship was about survival — together.

When my kids were toddling around our wood floors, exploring every cupboard and breaking the locks my husband and I spent hours babyproofing, I needed friends willing to pack up their Suburban and drive to the mall, McDonald’s, or Chick-fil-A play place to burn off steam. I needed friends who understood exhaustion, bed wetting, night terrors, potty training, sickness, constant discipline, sleep deprivation and more.

This season of friendship was about relating through outings — together.

When my kids started preschool, I needed friends to help with carpool and shuffling kids around to Mother’s Day Out, MOPS outings and doctor’s appointments. I was happy to do the same for them. I needed mom friends for adult conversation and shared experiences through planned playdates.

This season of friendship was about taking advantage of those fast, kid-free hours — together.

Now, my kids dress themselves (no more fights with putting on socks and shoes!) and are walking the halls of their elementary school. I never thought the day would come. Yet, it’s here and I love it.

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