Mama Says

3-Part Fantasy
 
Fantasy #1: Perfection, or Something Close To It
It’s not that I would be a perfect mother, wife, human being; it’s just that I would be much better at all of those things than I am in reality.  For example, I would rarely raise my voice, or hint at impatience.  I would have enough time and energy for everyone, always ready to get down on the floor and play, or stay up late and “play.”  I wouldn’t give the quick answer; I would give the right answer, the one that takes time.  My kitchen floor would always be an acceptable place to set down a baby; I would always have on hand the ingredients needed to bake a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies; and I would never leave dishes in the sink overnight, wet clothes in the washing machine for more than twenty-four hours, or vegetables in the refrigerator until they rot. The answer would be Yes more often than No. “Yes! I do want to read that book, sing that song, play that game, hear about that thing you saw again and again and again . . .”
 
Fantasy #2: Another Man  
Okay, this one is kind of embarrassing, and I would feel a bit better if I knew that other people shared similar thoughts in their lowest moments and worst stretches.  Because we all have them, right?  Right?!  You see, my husband, the father of my children, has tragically died!  Or left us (and now I feel much less guilty about replacing him because what did he really expect when he took up with that other woman?).  His replacement likes to have conversations with me, enjoys spending time with my kids, and is willing to adapt to fit in with our lives.  He lays in bed with me and talks, wakes up happy to be with us instead of grumpy and full of expectations, and his patience begins right where mine ends.  And that’s all there really is to it.  If I think about it, it turns out he possesses all the attributes I love about my husband (whom I do love), but I get to start over with all the good things.  Plus he’s younger and cuter, too! It’s just a fantasy, after all.
 
Fantasy #3: More Than One Woman  
You know how people sometimes say, “There aren’t enough hours in the day. I wish there were two of me!”  Well, I don’t want two of me.  How irritating would that be?  I do want another woman around, though.  Someone to be a friend to me, a caregiver to my children, and a helper with the endless household tasks. We would share both the fun and the tedium of our days; support each other professionally, creatively, and emotionally; and neither one of us would ever have to feel overwhelmed or lonely in this whole parenting thing.  She would be the best friend who never has to leave, who fits right in, and her responsibilities would be mine.  Together we would build a solid, loving home for children, husband, and each other.  It’s a lot of work, after all, and sometimes I think it just takes more than one woman to do it well.

And if you have anything to say about what you read here, don't forget to make a comment. Let's start some dialogue about motherhood!