Did you ever get socks for Christmas?
I’ve been reading the mother blogs out there, and it’s funny to read so many women matter-of-fact-ly mentioning that underwear and socks are going to be under the tree for their kids. Hey. Money’s tight. Have you checked out the price of underwear and socks lately?
Holy moley. That’s some expensive frilly bits. Even when there aren’t any frilly bits on them.
I’ve been existing on less than adequate supplies for myself for years, now. Even with a salary that allows me to make ends meet, I’m still scrimping and saving. I’m still denying myself the basics to be sure my child has what he needs.
I own two pairs of knee highs, one pair of hiking socks, and two pairs of athletic socks. Two pairs of hose. Two pairs of dress socks. Most of which were purchased in the last month or so. And in all this weather and wet, I’ve not owned a pair of winter boots since the 1980’s, I suspect. A conversation with a friend convinced me to change this–actually, when I mentioned I hadn’t owned a pair of appropriate winter shoes in I didn’t know how long, he simply said, “Go. Now. Get yourself some warm boots; what are you waiting for?”
What was I waiting for?
Was I waiting for it to be ‘okay’ to take care of myself? Was I waiting for some magic blanket of financial security to curl up around me and tell me it was safe to step out of emergency mode and spend a little money on some essentials I had been denying myself? There are other things I’m putting off: new glasses, probably some dental work, finding us a home to live in where the mice don’t treat us like an all you can eat buffet. A decent hair cut. A trip to the dermatologist. A gym membership.
Pretty benign stuff. But I know there are mothers out there who deny themselves basic health screens, adequate food, a good coat, because they can’t make ends meet, and women always put themselves last. If you are denying yourself health and warmth, please find a way to make those a priority this coming year. Your children need you.
Tags: gifts, giving, taking-care-of-yourselfRelated Stories
POSTED IN: assistance, finances, health
0 opinions for Did you ever get socks for Christmas?
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: