Why Moms Are Heroes

by Stacey Vandell

I was trying to get my three-year-old daughter and 20-month-old twin boys ready to drop off at daycare. I was running my usual ½ hour late when all chaos broke out at the breakfast table. Before I knew it, there was food all over the floor.

While on my hands and knees picking up bits of egg, cottage cheese and strawberries in the only nice set of work clothes that I had left, I was on the verge of tears. I sincerely felt like I was not going to make it through these thankless toddler years. As I was on my knees wallowing in self pity, I heard my daughter say, "Mom, you are a good cleaner!"

"Yeah," I grumbled, "I've had a lot of practice lately."

After a pause, she said in the sweetest voice, "Mommy, you are my hero. I love you!"

I looked up as tears sprang to my eyes to see all three of their smiling little chubby faces looking at me. Whenever I feel like I just can't take it anymore, I remember that I am a hero to my family, no matter how much egg and boogers come my way.