There are so many opinions out there, and I won’t even pretend to have sorted out what is right and wrong on the mask front. Where face covering/masks in public is concerned, I think you have to do the research from sources that you trust, and make your own decision. I don’t need to add my two cents to confuse the issue more than it is already.

I have made a few face covering/masks with a filter pocket, for family members who have asked for them.

But, I feel for my mom friends, especially, who are dealing with so much extra stress right now, and then feeling the guilt of all their sewing friends who are making masks.

So, release that guilt. I’ve said this probably a hundred times in the past month. The “frontline” is not just in the health care field. I absolutely love and respect and support my healthcare workers. But, dear mama, just because you are home with your kids, doesn’t mean your front line of taking care of your family, isn’t important.

And, we could pick any front line. I can only speak to being a stay at home mom, because that’s what I’ve done. It doesn’t make me better than a mom who works outside the home. It’s just what I chose. And, it is important work, valid work, hard work to have your kids home 24/7.

Many days, when I was in the fray of homeschooling, running a business from home, trying to have a little time for me, I asked myself if it was worth it? As a stay at home mom, you are on call 24/7. You probably won’t be able to go to the bathroom alone. Sometimes, you have to sneak in a shower. And keeping a house clean, when everyone is home all the time; it’s like cleaning in front of a slow moving tornado that never stops. And let’s not forget that question we hear all the time, “what’s for lunch?”

Moms, I just want you to know, I understand. I have battle scars. And I believe in you. You’ll make it through this time…and the next. Remember, when you are teacher, trainer, coach, ouchie kisser, chef, laundress….You have to take some time for you, even if it’s 5 minutes. You are worth it. You are doing worthwhile things and being a mama is hard work.

Bless you friends,
Anne Dovel