I’m sorry

 I’m sorry to every mom I ever judged before I became a mom.

I used to think I understood what tired meant. What busy meant. What “doing your best” looked like.
But I didn’t. Not until I became the one who had to be everything for everyone all at once.

I didn’t understand what it felt like to lose yourself while loving everyone else so much.
To cry quietly in the bathroom so no one sees.
To carry the guilt of every decision, wondering if you’re doing enough or if you are enough.

I get it now. The messy house, the short temper, the moments where you just need silence.
I get the love that hurts in your chest because it’s so big it aches.

So to every mom I ever judged I’m sorry.
Especially my own.
I see you now. I feel it all. And I finally understand what you were carrying.