"This, too, shall pass." -My Grandma

My Grandma passed away last year. She was a SAHM when they were called housewives. She kept the 3-bedroom brick ranch that my grandpa built spic and span, had a large vegetable, fruit & flower garden each year, and she raised four children. She volunteered at her church, had a small cleaning business on the side, and had plenty of time for her family. I'd say that's the kind of lady SAHMs of today can study.

I’ve got a friend and her name is Holly. Holly is one of those SAHMs that seem to have everything together, but is "real." She’ll gently listen to your problem; give you sound advice, and then follow-up with a comment on how fat her feet feel today, just to keep it real. I love it. Despite the size of her feet, she is a high-caliber SAHM, if you ask me. While she doesn't claim to have all of the answers, I secretly think that she does. Her kids are kind, helpful, and smart. And her husband adores her. I know. Amazing. Holly is doing something right, and that’s why she’s the kind of SAHM worth studying.

I met Holly when I was volunteering at a Pregnancy Resource Center in Michigan. I called the Center to see if they needed any help. Holly answered in her usual cheerful and helpful voice … and we talked for two hours. Kind of strange, I know, but it was an instant connection.

I do tend to talk to strangers too much, but I think what made the immediate connection with Holly is that she like many of the SAHMs reading this blog. Educated (she has a Master’s degree in Social Work), a natural leader, loving, and mindful of what it takes to be a good wife and mother. (Holly has five children that she homeschools). I could tell at once that she was the kind of person that would make a great friend.

Ever since that first conversation, I’ve thought that Holly is approachable, sensible, and responsible. Holly is a self-confessed penny pincher, so will someone please just buy her the Salad Spinner from Pampered Chef? She’s too cheap to buy it for herself, and she even asked her husband to buy it for her for her birthday. Please! Someone help her!! She is the one that everyone in her family relies on to be stable, follow the rules, and be reasonable at all times. This side of her is referred to as “The Rock” by her sisters-in-law (and me).

While it's not all bad to be the only sane one in your family, it's not all good either. Sure, in Rock, Paper, Scissors, the Rock usually wins ... until it gets covered with Paper. You can become lost under other people. Holly can handle it because she isn't the kind of woman that needs to be the center of attention, but sometimes I wonder if the Rock role is tough on her. I bet she wants to be able to have a nervous breakdown like the rest of us, and for it to be ok, and for the world to go on. I’m here to tell you, she’s put her time in as the Rock, and deserves a little tantrum. Go ahead!

I should also say that there's a side to Holly that loves to laugh, sees the positive side of life, and just needs to run to the coffee shop with an old friend. (I will meet you there!) I LOVE that Holly doesn’t sugar coat things. And I love how she always has a good story about the adorable things her kids do. I love how she is still crazy about her husband.

What kind of woman can run a household, homeschool the kids, can tomatoes, keep a big black lab from puking on the rug, and still laugh hilariously at her children? This lady. She's got that passion for life and her family that I admire. And I always will.