Monday, December 12, 2011

Dr. Mom

Dr. Mom  by Tedi Tuttle
For our 26 Wedding Anniversary

26 years it’s been since I tied the knot.
26 years I’ve been raising children and cooking meals.
26 years I forgot all my old friends
26 years is a long time to think about doing anything.
26 years is about as many years as it would take to get a PhD,
So . . . I’m saying I’ve received my PhD in Momhood
Now, just call me, Dr. Mom.

It’s a science to have nine kids
It’s a science to raise them too.
It’s a science to know how to communicated with a spouse
     and to figure out how to treat the in-laws too.
It’s a science to get kids through those formative years; broken bones,            
     Immunizations and illness and bloody noses and knocked out teeth.
It’s a science to know all about dance lessons, piano lessons,
Violin lessons, and soccer, basketball, and gymnastics too.
It takes guts and grit and stamina to some days get through it all.

I am honored to say that it’s all been worth it
Amid the tears, the trauma, and even the heartbreaks.
I’ve trained a large brood to: brush their teeth, mind their manners,
and wipe their noses properly. Tie their shoes, read, do times tables,
and to say “I’m sorry,” when the time calls for such. 

Yes, there has been some bad times and a lot of hard times,
A lot of down time, and a lot of blue times.
A lot of wondering what-the-heck-do-I-do times,
Even pull out your hair and scream-to-the-top-of-your-lungs-time.
But, there’s also been lots of good times, celebrations, and sing-your-heart-out-times,
Giggle, and roll on the floor times and many I’ll grab you in a big bear-hug times.

It’s been a long haul with a lot of time-outs,
     A lot of missed promises, and days when the doctor’s out.
But, I’ve learned many things first hand and some second hand too.
Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
So, if you need some advice, I’ve been there a lot!
Do you need a listening ear? or someone who cares?
Just call me, Dr. Mom – I’m home.

By Dr. Mom, AKA Tedi Tuttle Wixom