Hello Everyone, This is Chaplain Sung Kim. I am Deputy CMD CH in the 63d Readiness Division. I pray you are well.
I have been talking with mothers and asking the question: "What is the most difficult part of being a mother? Many moms said, "I feel stressed about
everything - how can I find relief?" It is tough to be a mom in today's world during COVID-19. It is hard and exhausting. There is the need for constant attention. Someone always needs a hurt kissed. Someone threw up, and someone else needs a diaper changed. Someone else is upset because someone took something of theirs or will not share. You cannot eat an uninterrupted meal. Snacks and drinks are being demanded. It is wonderful, but it is messy and it is stressful.
A teacher was going to have a lesson on the magnet for her second graders. She demonstrated various kinds of magnets and told them all the ways that a magnet could be used. Each student was given a chance to hold a magnet and try it for themselves. The next day she gave them a quiz, and the last question was: "My name has six letters. The first one is 'M.' I pick up things. What am I?" The teacher was surprised to see that over half the students had written the word "Mother."
Many of the mothers I talked to said that it is the constant demands that got to them the most. The relentlessness of caring for children is at times overwhelming. There always seems to be a crisis from the child's perspective. How do you handle the stress?
There is a sense in which you lose your personal life when you become a mother. You lose your freedom and mobility. You are investing yourself in your children's lives - even if you are making mistakes and not doing it perfectly, you are there and that is the most important thing.
And think about the joys. I also asked moms what was the best thing about being a parent, and they said thing like: "Receiving their hugs and kisses;" "Seeing them care about each other and express affection for each other;" "Seeing them smile and hearing them laugh." How wonderful it is to see a child sleep (when they finally do). How great to see them run and play. It is amazing to watch them explore the world and learn new things. All of these things are what make parenting special.
Mothers, we thank you so much for everything you do for children and for playing such an important role in their lives during COVID-19.
Have a blessed day! Blood and Fire!
Here is the direct email and phone number for anyone requesting support from the 63d RD Chaplain office, usarmy.usarc.63-rsc.list.chaplain-all-users@mail.mil, 650-526-9668.
Very Respectfully,
Kim, Sung N. (Mr. Kim)
LTC, Deputy CMD CH
63D RD, Chaplain
Phone: 650-526-9214
Mobile: 650-636-3393
Email: sung.n.kim.mil@mail.mil