When I was 34, I was ready to give up. I was still single and pretty hopeless that I would meet someone in time to start a family. I had contacted the state services to look into becoming a foster parent so I wouldn’t completely miss out on parenthood. Love could come in my 50s. Starting parenthood could not.
The foster parent paperwork came in September. Later that month I met him. The one. We both loved the outdoors, Boston Sports, family-style events. I was immediately hooked. 9 months after our first date we were engaged. 9 months after that we were married, and 9 months after that our son was born (he was 5 weeks early if that really matters to you). #1 was born 4 days before I turned 37. And just like that, both a 6 pound, 11-ounce little boy and an old mom were born.
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So who am I? My name is Jen and I’ve been an elementary school music teacher for nearly 20 years. I had my two kids just before I turned 40. I think my age has a lot to do with my sense of parenthood. Some days I feel jealous, some days I feel insightful, but most days I just feel tired.
I needed a project this summer, so I wrote. I wrote during nap times, after the kids went to bed, or when the kids were playing nicely outside for 5 minutes at a time. It was my therapy because being a mom is hard. And when your 2 and 4-year-old are arguing over who gets the last blue freeze pop
I hope our family stories make you laugh or think or just remember to appreciate your family. Always. On the best days, and on the toughest days. Thanks for reading.