My second family

A few years ago, I made a break with my family. Well, with my mother’s family, actually. It isn’t always easy, but with time, I’ve realized that it was the right thing to do, despite the fact that I miss them and the occasional moments of doubt that I feel.

When I created Je suis une maman, I had no idea that there would come a time when I’d have a whole team of people working with me, and contributors writing articles for the site as well. No idea! When I stop and think about how far we’ve come, I am filled with gratitude. It’s really incredible to think about all that’s happened in the past eight years.

Last weekend, some of our team got together at my house for our first annual potluck.

The kids played outside, the husbands chatted together, and us girls, well, we drifted between indoors and outdoors and talked about everything and nothing. We laughed a lot, we ate too much and we even, for a moment, were those naughty moms who tucked into dessert before serving the kids. We were wild! Hahahaha.

Of course, the day seemed like it flew by in an instant and when everyone had gone home, I was left smiling with memories of a lunch shared with wonderful company. I realized that deep down, I’d rediscovered a feeling that I hadn’t felt for a long time. The same feeling I’d had after a family potluck back in the day. They happened couple of times a year and it was always a special moment for me. The delicious food, the good company, the laughter, the tears, the conversations… and I had just experienced the same thing, with my new family. One that I dearly cherish.

I never thought I’d get to relive those moments. What a surprise to realize that I just had! What a wonderful gift. Yes, I’m tearing up as I write these lines.

The creation of Je suis une maman literally changed my life. Even after all these years, there are still plenty of surprises and moments of awareness on my path. I am so grateful. It’s moments like the one I just experienced that give me the energy to get through the darkest days, or the days when I question myself, or feel worthless.

For a long time I said that JSUM was like my third child. Now, I can proudly say that it’s not just my third child, but my second family.

I’ll leave you with some photos of this charming, endearing familia.

Photos : Catherine Galarneau

I’m lucky, am I not? Even more so, knowing that you, my readers, are also part of this beautiful community. What a wonderful extended family!

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