To The Moms: My Apologies
/Hey there folks! I wrote a piece a couple of weeks ago that has spread across the interwebs like wildfire. Or a case of herpes. It all depends upon your perspective, I guess. While many found the piece helpful and uplifting, some of those who read it were deeply offended. To those who I offended, I sincerely say thank you for taking the time to write to me comments or emails and let me know about it. I appreciate hearing your perspective. The online forum is an open one where everyone can and should participate via email or otherwise.
First off, the words on my page are mine, and I own the fact that they hurt some people, including you. This was not the intended result, but it is indeed what happened, and for that, I apologize. Some interpreted my words to mean that I hated crafting, that people who do it are only doing it to impress other moms, and that everyone should stop doing it because it was a big waste of time. Again, not the intent, but that’s how some viewed it, in many cases due to the way I crafted the message. I’ve been called a “dick”, “sociopathic”, a “sack of shit”, a "douchebag", an abusive husband, awful father, misogynist, and much more. I haven't read all of the comments, but I definitely got the message.
My blog was aimed specifically at moms who are constantly trying to keep up with some image of perfection in their heads. It was for the ones who see gifted moms doing wonderful things and then thinking they are not good enough because they can’t measure up. I wanted to highlight that this competition was all in their minds because most of these people who do the fun crafts are doing it because they love it, not because they want to one-up another mom. My wife is one of the people who created the cute little fruit cups out of a sense of obligation, staying up late and wondering why she was doing it. This is all spelled out in the article, but my attempt at humor obscured this message for some.
The "Suzie" I mention in the article is not a real person. She's just a caricature and not reality. What I was trying to convey is that Suzie is good at being Suzie and she should keep doing what she loves. Because Suzie isn’t judging. She’s just doing it out of love. It's the intent that truly matters. And I honor your intent and celebrate it. If that did not come across in my article, I am sorry for that.
With that said, I do hope you will continue reading, but I completely respect your decision if you don't. Thanks again for your attention.
Peace to you and yours,
Scott