The Hardest Job You Will Ever Love

Parenting is the hardest job you will ever love.

I still remember everything about the exact moment I first heard that quote. I was walking across the battalion parking lot, back at Fort Stewart. I had a brand spanking new Veronica strapped into her car seat, and we were walking into the office, to visit John.

I crossed paths with his platoon sergeant in the parking lot, who already had three children of his own, when he said that to me.

I didn’t get it at first. I mean, how hard could it really be? After Veronica was born, I quickly found out.

Early on, our days were miserable. ALL she did was cry. All day, everyday. Slowly, I sort of figured out the parenting thing. Kinda.

Parenting is a challenge. Nearly 6 years into, and there are still days where I feel like I haven’t the slightly idea of what I’m doing. The house is usually a mess, the kids don’t listen to a thing I say, and everyone is pretty frustrated by day’s end.

Today, on my lukewarm plate, I’ve got a 5 year old who cries every time she is told “no”, a 4 year old with pinkeye, because she refuses to wash her hands after going potty, and a clingy 1 year old attached to me via ring sling.

Not having a partner around to help certainly makes things even more difficult. Especially with all the kids home.

I don’t always love it, but SSG G. was right. It’s definitely the hardest job I’ll ever love.