A touching post by mom Sarah Mitchell, titled “I Am The Keeper,” shines a light on the often-overlooked mental burden that comes with motherhood. This complex mental load is hard to explain, especially to those who haven’t experienced it themselves. The endless list of tasks we juggle to maintain our families and homes can be overwhelming, to put it mildly.
Sarah truly understands this struggle. Recently, she took to her blog’s Facebook page to pen an emotional tribute to fellow parents, whom she affectionately refers to as “The Keepers.”
“I am the keeper,” she starts. “I keep track of schedules, practices, games, and lessons. I manage projects, parties, and dinners. I am responsible for appointments and homework.” Keeping everything organized in a household with children is no small feat, and it often falls on one parent—typically the mom—to take on the role of “The Keeper.” But it goes beyond just managing tasks; we are also the ones who mend emotional wounds and provide comfort in ways that no one else can.
“I am the custodian of traditions and memories. I ensure our family enjoys pumpkin patches and Easter egg hunts. I capture moments in photos, collect special ornaments, and write heartfelt letters,” Sarah shares. “I am the protector of emotional security. I navigate through bad moods, hold secrets, and soothe fears.”
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. “I am the keeper of worries—both theirs and mine. I carry the good and the bad, the grand and the mundane, the beautiful and the difficult.” The essence of Sarah’s heartfelt message is that balancing our mental and emotional responsibilities can feel like an impossible task. “So many of us Keepers—whether parents or not—often wonder how we’re doing,” she shares with Home Insemination Kit.
She’s spot on. We frequently question whether our approaches to parenting and managing the household are effective. “Our only measure of success is the happiness and well-being of our loved ones,” she adds.
In her post, Sarah articulates why being a “keeper” is undeniably the most exhausting aspect of motherhood. “Most of the time, the weight of my responsibilities feels light, almost like the upper elements on the periodic table, lifting me with a sense of purpose. But there are moments when it feels like I’m being dragged down, struggling to break the surface for air,” she writes.
The relentless cycle of worrying, remembering, juggling, and analyzing takes a toll. It’s why many of us lie awake at night, unable to calm our own anxieties because we’re too busy trying to ease everyone else’s. This invisible burden often goes unrecognized by those around us. Sometimes, we don’t need praise; we just want to feel acknowledged.
“My partner and my kids are kind and loving. This is undoubtedly the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. Yet, at times, being the Keeper is draining. It can feel like I’m shouldering it all alone,” she confesses.
Motherhood is a beautiful and fulfilling journey, but it can also be isolating. At times, you may feel disconnected from your former self and the world around you. That sense of isolation is part of being a “keeper.” Our efforts often go unnoticed because everyone relies on us to keep the family machine running smoothly.
That’s why Sarah’s poignant words resonate with “keepers” everywhere. “To all of you who are keepers, I see you. I understand the weight of your responsibilities. The invisible work you do—often without any paycheck or sick leave—is what keeps the world turning. I see you, and I honor you.”
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In summary, Sarah’s powerful message captures the essence of motherhood—the weight of responsibilities, the emotional labor, and the often-unseen efforts that keep families thriving. It’s a reminder to all “keepers” that they are seen, valued, and essential.