Boy Mama Confession: Fish Are Not My Friends

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Boy Mama Confession: I’m not super fond of fishing.

Catfish are down right scary looking creatures. Picking up larva is just gross. And wet moss freaks me out.

I DO enjoy being outdoors and spectating. I’ve even brought along a book a few times this year. The pages don’t seem to get read with the distractions of helping four little fishermen or just the beauty of the water and surroundings.

But you know what I love the most?

I love the enthusiasm they get when they catch a big one. I love being there when they them jump in my arms with excitement and a smile so wide they can hardly contain it on their little faces. I love watching them get excited for each other. I love how they have to tell every one we run into for days on end about their fishing stories and show their proof in the picture.  I love how proud their daddy gets and the joy he gets from their fishing successes.

Going along on things that aren’t your favorite, doesn’t mean you have to change who you are or pretend to be something you’re not.  It means you can take joy from something that brings someone else so much joy. 

Being a good boy mama doesn’t mean giving up on being girly. Being a good boy mama doesn’t mean loving all things BOY. Being a good boy mama doesn’t mean liking dirt, snails, wrestling, and boy humor.

I used to think I was a terrible boy mama because I wasn’t “one of them”.  I didn’t belong in their club and I couldn’t fake it. 

I’m still growing into these boy mama shoes, but I think it’s not that at all.  I can be secure in my role as their Mama (not their fishing buddy), and I can embrace them for how they have been created. I can cheer them on as they reel in a fish, or score a touchdown, or make it to the top of a climbing wall. Even more important, I’m can be there when they fail, when they are humbled, when they are discouraged, when they need a Mama.

I’ll be their mama no matter what…

Even when they smell like fish.