Meet Eileen! This Week's Mom of the Week!

What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?

I have 3 children.  Jack is 14; Dan is 12 ½;  Molly is almost 11.  They are at great ages right now!  In the last year, traveling and taking them places has gotten so much easier and much more fun!  They all love to have new experiences…although that doesn’t always mean they like the same new experiences.  Dan is my food and adventure guy.  He’ll eat anything, go anywhere and try anything.  Molly is mostly a tomboy but also occasionally enjoys dressing up and going to a museum, shopping or out to a fancy lunch.  Jack is more cautious about new things and less adventurous where food is concerned.  Jack has Asperger’s Syndrome so any time he is willing to switch up a routine or try a new food or restaurant we encourage him and join in.  I can honestly say I love doing anything with them that they are willing to do happily with me!  Playing games, sports, getting froyo, grocery shopping (happily?), watching movies, baking, goofing around or having (occasional) serious talks about life or world affairs.  We’re not perfect, but we do a great deal of laughing.  My greatest wish for all of them is that they are happy – within themselves, with their choice of work and with the people with whom they choose to partner in life.

When and where are you the happiest?

This is a tough question.  There really isn’t one geographical spot for me.  It’s more about who I am with or how I am feeling.  Being with my husband and children, in moments when we are all getting along well or we are all collapsing in laughter, that is when I often wish I could capture the moment and put it in a bottle like Harry Potter’s Liquid Luck.  Sometimes I am completely happy and fulfilled after completing a grueling task.  A few weeks ago I completed the Tough Mudder New England at Mt Snow in Vermont with a group of friends and I can honestly say that crossing that finish line together was one of the happiest and proudest moments I’ve ever had.  The day was physically grueling and sort of ridiculously challenging on a mental level, but it was also hilariously fun and I can’t wait to do it again next year!  It was the longest day but it was about pushing ourselves and supporting each other and we all made it through to the end (and the best beer of our lives.)  Alone on a beach, on a kayak in the ocean, on a ski run, walking in the woods… all are places I’ve been incredibly happy as well.  Looking back over what I’ve written here so far, I guess my point is that I find happiness in everything and nothing.  I do think happiness is a choice.  Connecting with others, or finding the rare moment to connect to my self and the world around me brings me peace and joy.  I guess that is happiness.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

While I have travelled quite a bit around the US, I have yet to “need” a US passport!  That will finally change next month when I accompany my husband to Paris on a business trip!  My “if only” trip right now is Ireland.  All four of my grandparents were born there and emigrated to the US.  I would love an extended trip during which I could meet the legion of family members I know I have there, visit the beautiful historical and natural sites, learn more about the history and drink many pints of Guinness.

What quality do you most admire in a mother? And what woman has had the biggest impression on you?

Presence and Patience.  Several of my teachers from my childhood and high school years and my children’s teachers top my list of admirable women.  It is hard to name names for fear of leaving someone out!  Dedication, drive and service are the qualities I believe are the most admirable.  I also admire any mom of a child who is not neurotypical or is perhaps just quirky and accepts and celebrates that in their child.  As a mom of a child on the autism spectrum, I know what it’s like to be the mom of the kid who sticks out, who makes a scene, who cannot seem to go with the flow.  Sometimes it’s hard to be that mom.  I am always in awe of Moms who handle these situations with kindness and calm.

See the rest of our interview with Eileen here!