Regrets And Perspectives

[u/Timbucktwo1230]

[u/SandiRHo]

My mom used to work in precision optics and helped make a lens for the Hubble telescope. She also had dreams of being an interior designer. Instead she married my father and adopted his daughter and then had two children with him. She gave up her dreams and pursuits to raise us while my dad worked. My dad had no ambitions but she did. Yet she stayed at home to care for the kids. She swears she doesn’t regret it and is so happy she raised us. But I wish I didn’t exist so she could’ve lived the life she dreamed of.

[u/DentRandomDent → u/SandiRHo]

Awww :( if she says she doesnt regret it then maybe believe her, I would be devastated if my children regretted being born. My kids are teens now and I gave up everything to be a stay at home mom and even homeschooled one of them who had higher needs for a few years (he made honors with distinction last year in public so it was worth it!). At the end of my life, no matter what else I accomplish, I truly believe that raising my kids will be the most significant and meaningful thing I ever did.

Admittedly I am now trying to figure out my new direction in life as they don't need me as much, but that is between me and my husband. And I can acknowledge that he got very far ahead in his career while I have none, but again, that is between me and my husband, I will never regret the effort I put into my children. I actually agree with everything in the OP, and me and my daughter have had similar discussions, I hope to see her do everything I didn't.

If you truly want your mom to know what her sacrifice means to you then please live a good life.

[u/Axrelis → u/SandiRHo]

Make the most of your mom’s sacrifice.

And don’t tell her any of this. Make her believe it was worth it.

[u/ArstanWhitebeard297 → u/SandiRHo]

Bro trust me raising and spending time with your kids is 1000% more fulfilling than some random job

[u/OnlyAShip → u/SandiRHo]

It just sounds like she picked a different dream?

A STEM career isn’t the be-all-end-all of a valuable and commendable use of one’s life.

[u/spacer9631 → u/SandiRHo]

That sounds like a choice