Letters to the Editor

The following are a selection of letters received by Homebase, MAW's quartley publication, powered by 100% volunteer hours.

We receive letters from women across Canada, writing for many different reasons. MAW welcomes your comments on anything you read in Homebase or on our website.

Dear HB:
Just a note to say... I am one of those quiet moms who wait expectantly for Homebase. Although I have never written an article or letter in actuality, I've written many in my mind - maybe one day I'll get inspired to "produce" something.

I am expecting our second babe and at the moment I am working very hard to keep life very simple.

Reading Homebase is part of my personal inspiration. In a couple of years maybe I'll be able to "do" more. Until then, please keep doing what you can - those of you who are. It is appreciated!

J. C.
Crescent, BC

Dear HB:
I was given a gift subscription to Homebase last year and I don't want it to end so I'm signing on for two more years. I am a mom of two (Joe, 2.5 years and Nate, 4 months), currently on maternity leave. I need Homebase for the "brainfood" and support I get from other sleep-deprived, yet loving, caring, creative moms. I also enjoy the art and poetry. Thanks - please keep it up!

M. S.
Waubaushene, ON

Dear HB:
I really look forward to receiving Homebase in the mail and enjoy both the articles and the artwork.

I am now at home with three daughters, ages 9 years, 3 years and 18 months. Sometimes I feel so trapped, isolated and even worthless. I hope the girls will have pleasant memories of "Mom at home" and that one day we will be paid or at least recognized for the work we do at this wonderful job. I feel truly blessed to have my children.

A. D.
Mississauga, Ontario

Dear HB:
I was so pleased to read in the Times-Colonist an article about stay-at-home mothers and to find there are places where one can obtain more information and support such as your organization.

My children are all grown but I was at home for most of their lives and have never regretted it, especially now when they tell me what it meant to them to have me there when they walked in the door after a long day at school, work, etc.

I watch my daughter-in-law struggling to remain at home with my two grandchildren and my own daughter juggling a part-time job that allows her to be there when the children are.

I know the problems they encounter and the things they go without, not to mention the challenge of remaining firm in their convictions in the face of a society that only values dollar-measured productivity.

For years I have maintained that no one was raising our children and now psychologists are finding that has indeed been the case.

An entire generation has grown up without security, guidance or nurturing and all of us are paying the price. Our children are the most precious resource we have. Good for you for lending support for the most important career in the universe - parenting.

E.R.
Victoria, B.C.

Dear HB:
Enclosed is my renewal. Although not otherwise involved in the MAW organization, I read Homebase as soon as I get it, often surrounded by breakfast dishes, play dough, blocks, etc.

The KTR is usually skimmed at the same time and then re-read with great interest later when I can concentrate.

You have my enthusiastic support for your many efforts, especially the Census - which was so demeaning to fill out.

When I saw the item in the paper regarding the change I sent a silent cheer to MAW and the other organizations that fought and are still fighting this battle.

When I'm asked what I do, I usually say "I'm a full-time mother." Fortunately, I generally encounter either respect, admiration, empathy and occasionally, envy.

Many women I know have said that going back to work was easier than staying home. It's a tough decision and for each family there are a unique set of circumstances, making each decision different.

It would be great to receive some payment for the at-home motherwork I do or at least to be able to deduct an amount similar to two-income families with outside childcare.

Just a few random thoughts from the mother of a five year old, a three old and one on the way. Keep up the good work!
R.A.
Toronto, Ontario

Dear HB:
After some stalling, I finally decided your organization is for me.

A full-time mother, part-time biologist and aspiring writer, I feel frustrated and angry listening to my chosen role being denigrated, or worse, ignored.

If the mother's role is so important (and male leaders frequently wax sentimental on this point), why isn't it worth any money?

Why are parents financially penalized? Why isn't there a pension plan of some kind for full-time mothers?

I worry about what my financial situation will be like in my old age, after I have taken five to 10 years "off." (Ha! If looking after children isn't work, why am I exhausted at the end of a 16-hour day?)

With a family history of female longevity, this is a real concern for me!

And that's just one of my concerns! So sign me up and count me in - I hope I can contribute something, if only moral support!

S.P.
Caledonia, Nova Scotia

Dear HB:
I don't know about the rest of you, but as I sit trying to write for the Spring issue I get lost in thoughts of melting snow, gardening and longer days.

Right now in New Brunswick the days are still a little dark and cold, somewhat like my life. I have gone back to work full time, Julia is in kindergarten now and I have arranged my time so that I am home when she gets off the bus, but it is not supposed to be like this.

My husband and I will be married two years this June, by now we are supposed to be expecting our second child... it never happens that way does it? We, like so many others thought we'd get pregnant right away we are both healthy, fit individuals. We watch everything we eat and drink - almost to the extreme. We can't figure it out... why us?

I was comforted by the articles I read in the Winter issue of Homebase and I thank MAW and the women who shared their stories.

C.G.
New Brunswick

Dear HB:
I've included some drawings for Homebase and although I'm not much of a writer I do enjoy sketching.

I graduated from Mount Allison University in 1991 with a Fine Arts degree, met my partner Bob and settled in Sackville, NB with our two children Cole (7) and Emma(3).

I am a full-time mother, part-time daycare provider, part-time painter (I had a show open in March at a local artist-run gallery) and I homeschool my children.

Trying to make ends meet on one part-time income (my husband is also an artist) is difficult but being home with our children is a priority for me.

MAW, Homebase and the KTR's keep me involved with the politics of being a feminist at-home mother while being surrounded by other feminists who sometimes voice their opinions about my "strange" choice.

I think being a feminist is about choice and respecting people for the choice that is right for them, and their families. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into your publication, I appreciate it!

I.D.
Sackville, New Brunswick

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