It was so overwhelming, I haven’t been able to put it into the proper words. Turns out a simple act, an everyday task allowed me to get there.
I was standing at the kitchen sink scrubbing pots and pans with scolding hot water, in between loading the dishwasher, wiping down counter tops, putting leftovers in plastic containers and reorganizing the refrigerator in order for everything to fit.
I was thinking about the day almost behind me and if I had accomplished everything I had hoped to, I thought about new items to add to my ever growing To Do list and how I was one day closer to a looming deadline. I thought about how odd it was to be living in such a small space now and daydreamed about the possibilities that lie ahead for our family. I considered what Lucas had eaten that day and what kind of mother I had been; was I attentive?, had I doled out enough kisses, hugs and words of encouragement?, had we read together that day?, had I taught him anything?, was I present?Â
Next, I thought about the millions of women—mothers across the world doing the exact same thing at the exact same moment.
Like me, they were standing at their kitchen sink caring for and thinking about their family and their mind wandered to all that they have done that day and maybe throughout their lives. All those women have stories to tell.
Rich, beautiful, powerful stories.
Stories of courage and heartbreak, bittersweet memories and small moments that made great impacts. Stories about letting go, holding on and unwavering resilience.
As I stood there scrapping off caked on food particles into the disposal, my eyes began to swell and tears streamed down my face. Performing such a mundane task finally allowed me to reflect on the 11 amazing stories I had heard two days earlier at my first Listen To Your Mother rehearsal.
The stories are as diverse as our fingerprints, but the grace and strength in which they were told are the common denominator and the candor and beauty of each woman leaves me in awe. I have only met these women once and I already admire and respect them so very much. Their stories will forever be etched in my mind and on my heart.
I am honored beyond measure to be apart of the 2013 Listen To Your Mother Sacramento cast and to tell my story. It is our time to shine and the dishes in the sink can wait!
If you would like to attend the Sacramento Listen To Your Mother show, please click on photo for more information and for tickets!
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I’m so happy for you that you can to be part of this amazing experience. I also love the photo of you and Nichole, I actually teared up when I saw it. Love you. xo
It’s amazing to me how in one moment we can feel so much of a powerful pull and camaraderie even, to and with women we know are in our same shoes. I know because I have felt it before too.
And I can only imagine the powerful moments you are having now with the LTYM experience. Amazing.
Thank you for sharing it all with us…
I can’t tell you how badly I want to be involved with LTYM. I briefly pondered trying to do it here, but the requirements were too great for this year and all that we had going on. But it’s this experience that makes it so appealing. I just think this would be an absolutely stunning experience, and I’m so glad you are part of it.
Tonya, I can’t wait to hear your reading via YouTube! I’m so envious that you got to go to your first rehearsal… I am very sad that I’ll be on a business trip next week, when ours takes place in Austin. This is such a fantastic ride with LTYM – congratulations!
I totally get that…cannot wait to hear you read and cheer you from the sidelines! Love you…xoxo
Beautifully written. Me too!
Lovely! I really wish there was a LTYM nearby!
I so look forward to the moment when you take the stage and share your powerful words. I am so proud of you for putting yourself out there and taking this chance… on LTYM and on yourself.
Much love to you, my dear friend. xo
I am so happy for you, proud of you.
Yes.
I am looking forward, so much, to hearing you read. I am going to make out with You Tube the day they come out.
I wish I could be there! I am going to the Chicago one, but I don’t personally know anyone on cast. I wish so much I could be in the audience for one of my very lovely friends. You will be fantastic and I am so proud to call you my friend.
I am so glad that you are part of this amazing experience. You are going to do fantastic!!
I’m so excited to see you at LTYM!