The Fruits Of My Labor

I've been sorting, washing and slicing over ten pounds of strawberries picked from a local farm this week!  Talk about fully understanding the expression, "the fruits of one's labor" now!!! 

This manual labor comes perfectly as Mother's Day is fast approaching.... because of course I've been thinking a lot about my own 2.5 year old, 32-pound bittersweet berry named Vivian.  I say she's bittersweet because that describes her perfectly. 

In fact, the word "bittersweet" describes motherhood for me too -- a combination of bitter moments and sweet moments.   Lately, it's been more sweet than bitter though, thankfully!  :-) 

These photos below demonstrate that as well -- a sweet moment of mother/daughter bonding in a strawberry field.  But at the particular moment when the picture was taken, Vivian has a bitter expression on her face....  Hilarious and priceless at the same time!





This just proves that you can be having a grand time and one of you (you, your child or both) can turn sour for whatever reason.  However, you keep picking, pulling and working the fruits of your labor.  That's what life is about!  You work hard but you also need to stop and savor the sweet moments. 

And you don't have to give birth to another human being to know what I'm talking about.  You may not be a traditional mom.  However, I bet you've been a "mother" to a pet, a neice, nephew, a co-worker, a friend in need or whatever. 

As women, we have those nurturing, caring instincts.  They may surprise us from time to time but they are there.  In my opinion, the compassion of a woman has no boundaries.  Of course, cross us ladies, and we'll strike like the bitter taste of a snake too.  That's what makes us great!  :-)

But if you do happen to have children and call yourself a "mom," then you understand that labor of love I mentioned above.  Especially when I refer to Viva the diva as my bittersweet berry.  There are moments when you just don't know how you can do it, how you can go on being a mommy.  It's just so friggin' hard sometimes.  Then there are the tender moments that you just cherish so very much!

In the bitter times, you want to hand your child over to someone else, give her back or just walk away, especially while she's screaming.  There are certainly those moments when you feel that way.  There are times of regret.... times where you maybe wish you didn't have a child or children.  Moments of guilt and selfishness.  Moments of such frustration and angst.  A lot of folks don't talk about the ugly side of motherhood, but believe me, it's there!  It greets you when you least expect it!

On the flip side, there are also such incredible, joyful surprises of motherhood too.  Wonderful moments that you just never thought were even possible.  There are minutes, hours and even days when you laugh non-stop.  You'll cry too, but sometimes those tears are from laughing or happy exchanges.  You watch this little being grow and change right before your eyes and it's really amazing.  And when you see your own personality come out of this tiny person, you crack up and shake your head in disbelief!

Sometimes I look at my kid and tears flood to my face out of nowhere.... the love I feel for her.  I just didn't think that was possible.  I often consider myself a selfish person so to love another human being as much as I love my Viv, well, I just didn't know that it could be this way....  Yeah, I am a complete sap now, who knew??

For me, the labor I endured to have Vivian is worth the trouble she caused me (so far).  I can't believe I'm saying this but she is worth the forty plus pounds I gained.  Worth the first year where I didn't much like her.  Worth losing my identity because I found a new, better one.  Worth the headaches and gray hairs she has caused me.  She's even worth causing me to have gallbladder surgery (scheduled for Tuesday, May 11th by the way) -- yes my doctor confirmed that she's half the reason my organ is malfunctioning -- yet another joy of pregnancy! 

Vivian is my greatest fruit that I've labored so far.  And I can even see myself laboring again someday, to give Vivian a younger peach or blueberry that she can play with and boss around.  :-) 

Happy Mothers Day to everyone out there!  May you enjoy the fruits of your labor, no matter what they are -- children, pets, your job, your works of art, writings, books, clothing, movies, or life in general!  Just enjoy! 


P.s. - If you're looking for a fantastic list of strawberry recipes, check out my friend Candi's compilation of best strawberry cakes, pies, smoothies, etc.  You won't be disappointed!