“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
— Abraham Lincoln
There are simply not enough words to express our deep, abiding admiration for the mothers who read, create, contribute to and otherwise belong to our ParentMap community. We celebrate and honor you on Mother’s Day with a jaunty tip o’ the sippy cup!
My mom, “Bubbie Shu” (z”l), was an angel with a little lion and teddy bear mixed in. I pay homage to Bubbie and my father for attributes I have embraced as a parent, wife, business owner and engaged citizen. I try to mimic both my mom’s contagious smile and her impeccable integrity. She was devoted to higher callings: improving Chicago’s public education system, living the values that come with leading an observant Jewish life, and trying to raise great kids. My fast-acting, risk-taking, entrepreneurial (and a tad funny) father was nearly a perfect balance to my mother’s more solemn (and sometimes stern) approach to life.
Mom had one of life’s toughest jobs: a full-time public school math teacher in Chicago’s highest-crime neighborhoods. She never complained or cut corners, but 30 years on the job wore her out. She taught eighth-grade inner-city kids, volunteered, and worked on her Ph.D. while raising three wild kids.
Is this having it all?
In my life I have a rich mix of personal and professional passions, too. I own a social-minded media business filled with brilliant, inspiring and kind women. ParentMap offers greater flexibility than I was ever able to achieve as a young lawyer 29 years ago when my first baby, Arielle, was born. I am writing this note at 2:51 a.m. Flexibility yes, but at what cost?
Ultimately, I can do the crazy hours, because what is priceless for me is the ability to pick up my kids from school every day.
Our team of exceptional ParentMappers all have their own unique way of “making it work.” We know all parents need solutions to life’s hectic race; we will continue to explore work/life balance issues together through 2016.
On May 18, join us as we host the premiere screening of Having It All, a documentary by Vlada Knowlton. This poignant film follows three women as they embark on and juggle motherhood, marriage and careers. Then stay for Dr. Gottman’s “Making Marriage Work and Love Last” lecture (always a sell-out!) — a great gift for yourself and your honey for Mother’s Day!
— Alayne
P.S. My brother’s brain was likely saved when he had an accident on a recent bike ride. I insisted he wear a helmet. Our cover photo this month shows cyclists taking a rest, and we’ll assume their helmets are off to the side! Stay safe this season, readers: Visit parentmap.com/safety for how to choose the right helmet and many other safety tips.
