Cebu City, 1968 |
I, on the other hand, am a different story. Thanks to contracts and my husband's career taking precedence, I think I haven't held a job for more than 10 months. At 31, when I decided not to return to work after mat leave in order to stay at home, I figured my mom would be disappointed. I just spoke with her this afternoon to recount what she had told me five years ago:
"When your dad and I had you and Mel, we didn't know anyone well enough and couldn't imagine putting our children into daycare or anything like that. We wanted to bring your lola or grandma here but we were not in a financial position to sponsor them, so your dad and I decided that I would put aside my career so that one of us could always be at home with you. I even had to hide the fact of my profession to apply for night jobs - at the Bank of Montreal, Post Office, etc., just to make ends meet. (laughs) On my resume I would put 'Dietary Aid,' and not 'the boss' which had always been the case!
Alberta oil field, 1981 |
My mom, the career-oriented, school-board-chairing, weekend-consulting
superwoman, had 'put aside' her career in her 30's to stay at home with her
kids! I had no idea. And I am proud to report that she resumed her long and
successful career track as an RDN , and
retired 5 years ago still in high demand as an instructor and dietitian
consultant. She has traveled around the world and is regularly described by her
family, friends and community as "an inspiration" and "a force."
I was able to re-post this lost blog entry thanks to my mom copying it to HER blog! http://retireinstylewithlolita.blogspot.ca/
This is a lovely tribute to your Mom she must be so proud of you Melissa! I'm so happy you found this to repost.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely tribute Melissa. Looking forward to spending Mothers`Day weekend with you and Melanie.
ReplyDeleteProud Mom.