In 1990 (when I was 7 years old), I created one of my first books. It was titled simply, The Happy Book. A few days ago, as I was putting together an Art of Teaching interview I’d asked my Mom to participate in for her birthday, I spent some time searching through photo albums for an accompanying picture and unexpectedly rediscovered The Happy Book.
Reading through the short (5 page) novella, I noticed two things:
- I must have been channeling Hemingway during my elementary school years, because the writing style is simple and direct.
- The Happy Book is almost entirely about my Mom.
So, in honor of her birthday (April 26th), and the upcoming day of recognition for mother’s far and wide, I’m pleased to present a double feature dedicated to my first teacher, Kathy Lund Neumann.
A.k.a. Kathryn, Mom, Mrs. Neumann, Katie, Seestor, Woman, and when she’s in a particularly feisty mood, Kate.
When did you decide you wanted to become a Mom? OR, did you always know you wanted to be a Mom?
I don’t remember thinking about wanting to have kids until Dad & I decided we wanted to start a family. And we didn’t start seriously talking about it until after we were engaged to marry & bought our first house. Then it was, well, not that we are “trying” to get pregnant but if we do then that was fine. And so came E-man. Now you (Interviewer), we knew we wanted another boy right away (Yup, we always knew you’d be a boy because E needed a brother to learn how to be a kid from.) And well, 327 days, 4 hours & 49 minutes later along came Ryan (the Interviewer). Then for some odd reason, when you (the Interviewer) were about 1 ½ years old we decided we wanted to have a baby girl. (Yup, we always knew we’d have a girl.) So, 980 days, 22 hours & 32 minutes after having you along came Kalianne.
What informs the current perspective you have regarding what it means to be a mom, and how does that perspective influence the way you approached raising your children?
What? Speak-a-da-English! :-{
Knowing what you now know about motherhood and the world of being a parent, what’s the one piece of advice you’d offer to a large group of soon-to-be mothers who are just about to begin their journey?
Two pieces of advice come to mind. 1) Be married, stay married and raise your child(ren) in a two parent committed family. 2) Don’t have more children than you can afford–financially or emotionally.
What’s your greatest struggle right now? What was your greatest struggle starting out as a Mom?
Now: Still waiting for the cures for Diabetes & Down Syndrome. Erik has a good life but I wish he could have a better life & fulfill his dreams of finding someone to marry & have kids.
Starting out: Working “full-time” (50+ hours a week), a second child who stayed up all night and afforded me little sleep & being thrown into the wacky world of Special Education.
What has motherhood taught you? What did your parents teach you about parenthood?
Growing up I had a Mom who was (and still is) a hard worker, very religious, kind, caring, creative, good cook, baker, gardener, generous (and frugal) and supportive of whatever I wanted to do. My Dad worked hard to support us (Mom, 6 kids & Granny). The years he spent in World War II & Korean War as an Air Force Gunner left him a tad rough at times trying to deal with his personal demons. But, he would have done anything for his kids & was proud of all of us. I often followed him around and helped him do house chores & electrical repairs. After missing Erik’s birth my Dad turned his life around (banished the demons) and became such a fantastic Grandpa & parent. My parents, being who they were helped me form who I wanted to be. Can’t say specifically what they “taught” me but I see/feel my parents in me in many ways of my being a parent.
What do you hope most for your kiddos?
Health, Happiness, Financial independence.
In that order.
Health=say no more.
Happiness=Wife/Husband/Family/Friends/Job you enjoy. BLISS: A perfect happiness.
Financial independence=No debt/Money in the bank/Being able to do what you want, when you want.
Is there an art to motherhood? Is there an art to parenthood? Is there a difference between the two?
The art to motherhood AND parenthood is to have commitment by the Mom & Dad to stay committed to each other and raise their child(ren) in a two parent family.
What’s been the happiest moment of motherhood (so far)?
No single moment but having had so many “happiest” moments over the years I can say I am one happy Mom and couldn’t imagine life without Erik, Ryan (Interviewer) and Kalianne. (Or Dougness who I couldn’t have experienced motherhood without!)
What’s been the saddest moment of motherhood?
February 3, 1982 around 8:15pm, minutes after hospital visitation ended and Dr. Matthew Meyer came into my room and told Dad & me that he strongly suspected that Erik had Down Syndrome. Erik was about 3 hours old. We had 3 hours of BLISS.
Generally speaking, who are the individuals, groups, and/or causes that inspire, challenge, and propel you forward?
My “propellers” include Doug (Hubby), my children, my Mom, my siblings, my friends, my neighbors, my Special Friends bowlers. I can’t stay idle. I see things that inspire, challenge and they propel me to do. I am a doer. That’s what I do. It keeps me happy.
What’s the biggest misconception about both motherhood and the life of a Mom?
Age 13 Ryan (Interviewer) = “Mom, what do you do all day when we are at school & Dad is at work?”
Me = (insert blank stare)
What is, or what are, your biggest hopes for the future?
Health, Happiness & Financial Independence for our Kiddos.
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