Today I Cried

Today I cried.

I cried because my 3-year-old refuses to listen to me.

I cried because my son ripped the waterproof cover off of his mattress.

I cried because my daughter misses her dad when he's at work.

I cried because my 2-year-old keeps playing with water when my back is turned and I'm tired of cleaning up spills.

I cried because my coffee pot broke.

I cried because my house is a disaster and always will be.

I cried for a friend whose husband is traveling on business while she is alone with her children.

I cried for a friend whose mother is sick; she's trying to keep it all together.

I cried for a friend who's been trying for years to have children, and has been unable to do so.

I cried because I feel like a failure and I don't know how to move forward.

I cried because motherhood is hard and it always will be.

I cried because at times I feel trapped.

I cried for all the moms who are in the trenches and just want to feel like they're doing something right.

I cried for all the moms whose kids refuse to eat at mealtime.

I cried for all the moms whose children wake up at all hours of the night, inhibiting their ability to get a full night's rest.

I cried for all the moms who don't understand their children.

I cried for all the moms who want to connect with their kids, but don't know how.

I cried because I don't remember the last time I got a full night's rest.

I cried because I'm so tired and I cried for all the other mothers who are tired.

I cried for all the expectant mothers who don't know how hard this job is, because they haven't experienced it.

I cried because this job will never be easy.

I cried for you.

I cried because sometimes you have to let the tears out, so that when you wipe them away, you're given a new sense of calm and clarity.

You can find more from Toni Hammer at Is It Bedtime Yet, on Facebook, and on Twitter.