Dear Future Leader,
Tomorrow, I will face an unimaginable moment. I will once again leave my newborn behind, a heart-wrenching experience I hoped would not come for a fourth time.
I often hear I should be tougher, that I should be grateful for my job, and that teaching is the easiest profession, especially for a working mother. Yes, I have learned to be resilient. Yes, I appreciate having a job. And yes, my schedule is indeed favorable for a working mother.
But here I stand, bracing myself to walk away from my new baby once more.
Tomorrow morning, I will rush around the house, trying to complete as many tasks as possible for my children before heading off to work. Though I am just one of countless working mothers who do what’s necessary for their families, my heart aches knowing that many others share this pain.
Hard work? I embrace it. I could be labeled a “mompreneur,” as I’ve launched a photography business, a fitness venture, a writing career, and hold a full-time teaching position. Future Mr. or Mrs. President, I am not afraid of hard work, nor do I seek praise for my efforts.
Does this make me an exceptional wife and mother? Does this elevate me to a higher status among citizens and taxpayers? Absolutely not. It simply reflects my commitment to providing for my family. I am grateful to contribute to our household’s stability.
We are an average middle-class family. My husband and I both have stable jobs. We work diligently to provide for our four children, ensuring they have a roof over their heads, warm beds, and full bellies each night. However, despite our best efforts, we barely make ends meet after covering our mortgage, student loans, and bills.
But if you ask our children what they desire most, their answer is simple: “us.” They want their Mommy.
Tomorrow, I will dry my tears, pry my toddlers off my legs, unclench tiny fingers from my neck, and say goodbye to my newborn. I will miss out on comforting her when she cries and laying her down for naps. I will have to hide my emotional turmoil, attempting to put on a brave face for my children, but inevitably, tears will fall. They will see the anguish in my eyes, and despite my preparations, tomorrow will be heartbreaking.
As I step outside, I will glance back at my children’s tear-streaked faces and hear my baby’s cries behind the closed door. It will take every ounce of strength to walk to my car, start the engine, and drive away to a classroom filled with second graders awaiting my guidance.
In the midst of this emotional struggle, I must find the strength to fulfill my teaching responsibilities. My baby, now nine weeks old, is beginning to hold her head up and smile, especially when she hears my voice. Our bond is precious, and it pains me to leave her.
I cannot fathom why, in the United States, we lack paid maternity leave. Why are we one of the few developed nations without such provisions? This baby I will leave tomorrow is my fourth and last. I had hoped that by now, my situation would be different, allowing me to nurture her throughout the day with hugs and kisses.
As a mother representing countless hardworking women, I urge you to protect this crucial time for mothers and newborns. Tomorrow, I will join the ranks of thousands who must leave their infants, striving to be the warriors we are.
But I ask you, Future Leader, wouldn’t it be better if we didn’t have to be warriors just yet?
For more insights on motherhood and the journey to parenthood, check out our blog post on home insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re navigating the complexities of pregnancy, this resource could prove invaluable. And for parents looking to upgrade their car safety, this site offers expert guidance.
Summary
In this heartfelt letter to the future president, Lila Thompson expresses the challenges faced by working mothers, particularly regarding the lack of paid maternity leave in the U.S. She shares her personal struggles of balancing work and motherhood, emphasizing the emotional toll of leaving her newborn. Lila advocates for the need for policies that support mothers during this critical bonding period, urging leaders to reconsider the current state of maternity leave.