Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

A Mother and Child Reunion: Goodbye Cocoa Puffs and Donald Duck

French vintage post card, child with flowers

 

Mother-and-child-

How did I misplace my adventures of motherhood?

Was it really this much work?

Slowly the memories come to the surface. 

Three weeks after I had given birth to Sacha I found out that I had ovarian cancer.

Sacha was ill waking up numerous times at night until he was five years old.

Chelsea was two and a half years old and a full-time Mother's aid.

French Husband carried it alone, plus a full-time job.

I am hugging them tight this evening…

a Mother's job is never done and that is music to my ears.

But I am so glad that diapers are no longer part of our lives,

and that I no longer have to divide

the trinkets in the cereal box.

Comments

24 responses to “A Mother and Child Reunion: Goodbye Cocoa Puffs and Donald Duck”

  1. Parisbreakfasts

    I am smiling ear to ear.

    Reply
  2. anne

    Oh my dear Corey, It must of been such a struggle when your two children were little, especially with the shock of finding out abut the cancer. I cannot imagine a child waking all the time, oh dear, that is tough!! How great a rock FH was, and still is….amazing!!
    I looked after my 9 month old grandaughter for 6 days the other month, oh boy , how hard that was …looking after older children is slightly easier though, at least they can talk, walk, go out !

    Reply
  3. Gina Johnson

    I am “the mother” refueling with my husband in Paris at the moment in search of apartments and schools for our twins 6 year old children (we will be moving here in January). My Mother is stuck in Texas with my children and a list the size of New York City filled with activities, school projects, Birthday parties, etc. I wish she could read your post right now. I told her to jot down all of her mishaps and adventures. So often when I come home from a mini-vacation with my husband she says “I forgot how hard this mothering was”. Ha. From the Mother of small children side, “you have no idea what a gift you gave”. Priceless!
    On another note, the early years of your childrens lives must be a bit of a blur with all that you were dealing with. What a strong woman you are and what an amazing man you have in your life.

    Reply
  4. Rhonda

    Going with out sleep night after night is torture, we did it for 2 years with our daughter. Somehow you survive. But with the shock of cancer I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it was for you.

    Reply
  5. Sheila Cain-Sample

    What a great post. ‘Children’ the best thing I put forth in this world. My boys both woke numerous times every night until they were 2 but I was well (physically) and that is relative, but a little insane. You seem to be at such peace, I can hear it in your words. Bravo.

    Reply
  6. Jeanne

    Oh big hugs my darling
    Thanks for sharing with us your journey in life………
    We all have a story to tell don’t we?
    “All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life, there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don’t show the million decisions that led to that moment.” Richard Bach
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  7. Redness

    Like you I’m sure they’ll remember this time for many years but won’t “get it” till they’re as wise as we are now. You’re beautiful 😉

    Reply
  8. Candace

    That is why you have children when you are young. Wait until you take care of your grandkids. I love mine so much but am glad to had my quiet house back when they leave. LOL>

    Reply
  9. Betty M

    Just consider it experience for when the grandchildren come along. “Mothering” never ends.

    Reply
  10. Leslie Garcia

    Dear Corey,
    You deserve a good rest! What a gift you gave…your time, your love, your complete devotion…God Bless YOU!
    Leslie

    Reply
  11. Marilyn

    Amen to that! I am so happy you came out the other end of surviving ovarian cancer and young children. Now we get to enjoy your humor and wonderful thoughts and pictures.

    Reply
  12. martina

    And it all worked out-somehow. Hope you catch up on your sleep. That was so kind of you to watch the children.

    Reply
  13. Vicki

    You’re with them today, a testament to the power of love, prayer and strength gained from both! I’m thankful to God that you’re here, sharing your words with us and reminding each day how important it is to count our blessings and to remind ourselves how very rich we are in love and family.

    Reply
  14. Carol

    So glad it’s almost behind you, dear Corey! What a wonderful gift you’ve given! Love your images today, as always.
    I don’t know how I coped with my three when I did. The fact that you were battling cancer, is unimaginable. What a difficult time that has to have been for both you and FH. I’ll never forget your story the other day of him praying over the chemo bottle.
    I’m so thankful that you are well!

    Reply
  15. Beverly

    Oh my goodness…are you ready for a rest!?!
    I think we block out those busy, busy years. We have too to survive!
    And now we can enjoy the company of our older, calmer children!

    Reply
  16. Linda Tunnell

    Its hard to go back…you know back there. I look at my girls mother and wonder in awe how in the heck I raised six children! I still wonder but all I know is that part is over and the grandchildren part is here and now.Its wonderful and hard in its own way. I’m expecting no. 20 in a few weeks, unbeieveable! I sympathized with your week but loved your stories. thanks for sharing

    Reply
  17. Donna C.

    LOL!!!! Corey, truer words were never spoken!

    Reply
  18. mindi

    I think you deserve a day of shopping!

    Reply
  19. Courtney

    I’m a mother of an 18 month old girl and I honestly do not know how women have more than one child. I don’t know how such a small person can wear me out the way she does. She’s magical. Toddlerhood is parenting bootcamp I suppose. You’ve gotta love it though.

    Reply
  20. wendy b.

    i bet you have delightful french underthings from a brocante that have an “S” embroidered on them. Superwoman, that you are.
    the only reason any mother survives young childhood is by tackling one little issue at a time. not a huge clump of them simultaneously.
    i do not know how you and yann managed the chemo and the babies, but i am so happy that you did. this is my fave part of the day to settle in for a little tongue in cheek.

    Reply
  21. Gracie

    Sometime I’d like to go back in time to live again many precious moments in my daughter life….less the diapers of course!

    Reply
  22. jend’isère

    Mothers know their own kids best, so it is more work to care for others, who react differently. Helps you appreciate yours, as well. Glad you got to relive the fun, food and character of small children. You offered them a different prespective,too!
    PS. Eat a bowl of cereal for dinner in beautiful porceline with yours soon.

    Reply
  23. Julie Ann Evins

    So poignant Corey – you have known very difficult times. My mind is beginning to contemplate sleepless nights ! jx

    Reply
  24. Juliette

    Once again, thank you SO MUCH!
    Thanks to you Auntie, and thanks to my dear Oncle
    For your time, your love, your organisation.
    These vacacions were so wonderful.
    I really could appreciate this break: motherhood out of my mind for a little week…
    I was just a Young Lady (as they said)…”French Nice in London”
    With all my L.O.V.E.
    Juliette

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions