Lynda Loveland: Motherhood - a license to emote

I’m not sure how it happened, but somehow, after becoming a mom, I can become a human emoticon at the drop of a hat!

I’m mostly referring to the instantaneously teary eyed, overcome with a wave of happiness, emoticon. You know the one I’m talking about. Is there some kind of hormonal change we go through when we assume the role of motherhood? As if we need anything else to make our lives more difficult.

It’s tough to get it under control sometimes. Here’s the latest example: my kids’ soccer games.

They just started playing this season. The first time my son and daughter scored a goal, I nearly broke down! It was all I could do to keep the tears from streaming down my face. I had this big lump in my throat and my mouth was quivering. I could barely maintain my composure. What is up with that??? I was a mess!

Later in the season, another child, who has been trying very hard, finally scored. And good grief I lost it again! And it’s not just soccer. It seems like it’s anything involving kids succeeding at something. What in the world??? I understand its happiness and all, and that’s a good thing, but dang, reel it in mama! I love, love, love being happy for the kids but can’t I do it a little less visually…and with fewer tissues?

I’m thinking not.