Momwhelm was born from a legacy of resilience and strength. My grandmother and Blair's great-grandmother immigrated to the United States from Ukraine at just 16 years old crossing the Atlantic alone to join her two older brothers. She faced a new country and its culture without knowing the language. She changed her birth name, Ephrezenia, to an American one, Rose.

 

Years later at age 29, she lost her husband leaving her with four young children (ages 18 months - 10 years old) to raise on her own with little education and no real skills. Unable to manage the farm she and my grandfather had purchased, my grandmother had to move in with an older brother with children of his own.

 

Despite her many challenges, she found a way to persevere, often doing the impossible to ensure her family's survival...working wherever she could and doing her best to provide for her four children.  My oldest uncle had to quit school in the fifth grade to help earn money to support the family; years later he not only  graduated from high school, but college as well. My own mother remembers eating lard sandwiches - that's Crisco between two pieces of bread.  She graduated high school as Valedictorian at age 15 1/2,  then completed a year of business school and at the age of  50, earned her AA degree.

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Decades later, I found myself in a somewhat similar position, juggling work and parenting as a married mom with little support and then as a single mom of two. The constant worries about finances and the fear of what the future might bring were overwhelming. When I recall those days, my mind harkens back to what my grandmother must have faced - and much more -  on a daily basis. As the years have gone by, I have often thought of the hardships my grandmother encountered; my heart aches for how difficult her life had been. Her story is a reminder to me that even in the most difficult times, resilience and resourcefulness can lead to brighter days.

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As I watch my own family members (Blair and my former daughter-in-law who is more like second daugther to me) and others struggle with today's challenges for moms doing it all, I realized how many of today’s  moms face very simliar challenges to what my grandmother and I experienced. That's why I started Momwhelm—to create a supportive community specifically for momshelmed moms who are ready to take action to make impactful changes and to share  practical resources and experiences to help navigate the complexities of ‘doing it all’.  At momwhelm, we also want every momwhelmed mom to know that you are not alone here. 

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