Doctor Mom
One of my best friends graduated with her PhD in Education this weekend. She is one of those brilliant women, whom you know will make a huge difference in the world. Not only does she run a extremely important non-profit that helps young people of color begin careers in medicine, but she managed to volunteer and go to school at night. Yes, she was busy and I didn't get to see her as often as I would have liked, but damn I am SO proud of her and all that she has accomplished. This weekend we threw a big party for her. Music, great food and plenty of friends. It was a good day.
As I headed home exhausted, I began to to think about how quickly time flies. Was it really 4 years ago that she called telling me she was going to do this. She even encouraged me to apply too - something I would have loved to do, but didn't, well couldn't. It was about the same time that I told her I was pregnant again. Hmmm.. graduate school, pregnant, full time job and 3 year old at home - even I am not THAT crazy. I don't have any regrets - but I fully admit to having a tiny bit of envy. For a selfish moment, I thought wow, J got a PhD and I haven't done anything. No one is going to call me Dr. I am such a loser!
Defining accomplishment is a moving target. Success on spectacular days is birthing a healthy baby or launching a new business. Most days accomplishment is getting to the office in time for a meeting without any food stains on my suit, figuring out how to get my son to soccer practice and daughter to dance class at the same time and keeping a sense of humor and perspective. These days I have had more space in my head, more time to take care of me and more time to imagine what is possible.
I know it is lame to wonder what if - but I wouldn't be normal if I didn't, er, right? Yes, I don't have a PhD, but I AM called Mama - sometimes xiaolinmama and in honor of my friend J - you can also call me Dr. Mom because surviving the last four years is a tremendous accomplishment, if I say so myself. Shoot, I better throw myself a party! Tequila anyone?














