SEPTEMBER'S MOM OF THE MONTH

{SALLY EDELSBERG}

When I first spoke to Sally her concern was that she wasn't the kind of Mom we were shooting for in our Marmalade Mom project because she didn't have young children nor did she live here. Well folks this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Too often as Moms we get stuck in this false pressure cooker of having to handle things just like the other Moms around us, but in actuality maybe that's not what we're comfortable with. Maybe some of us are more lenient about certain things than others of us, maybe one of our kids needs to be treated differently, etc, and the last thing we need to do is to put pressure on ourselves that we're not handling our kids the way we THINK that all the other moms are. This project's goal is to give us a glimpse into not only some of the Moms we know, but some from other areas and other generations. So, I hope you enjoy this little peek into a very special Grandma from Chicago's take on what being a mom looks like for her.

1. What surprised you most about being a mom? Being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs one could ever have. You're never quite certain decisions you make are the best, but you hope you are doing the best for your child to develop into their own person.

2. If you found yourself with 3 days to yourself, a plane ticket, and $10,000 where would you go and what would you do? I don't feel the need to be by myself. If I could transfer the gift I would use the money to buy another plane ticket for my daughter and would take care of the kids.

3. What is your favorite thing your child says to you? I love you.

4. Being totally honest, would you rather make a clay pinch pot with your kids or have cosmos with the girls?

I am a grandmother and loving it! Given a choice, I would rather spend time with the grandkids--doing something that each of them would enjoy.

5. What is the best parenting advice you ever got?

I don't remember--Just as moms today talk with friends about their experiences and look to each other for advice, so did we. There seem to be many more books and self proclaimed experts on child rearing these days. I don't believe there is one "best" method for raising a healthy, loving, and responsible child. Much of parenting is trial and error, doing the best you can, trying to learn from your mistakes, and letting your child know how much you love them.

I received some very good advice when I became a grandmother--don't let distance stop you from seeing your grandchildren as often as possible. Do whatever it takes to spend time with them while they are young so they will know you and remember you. My daughter and her family have never lived in Chicago but I have managed to visit with them every six weeks or so since each of the kids was born.

6. If a group of magic fairies were to come into your house at night what would be on the "to-do" list you would leave for them?

I would ask them to come back at a time when I could supervise their work.

Sally Edelsberg - Mom to one daughter - Grandmother to four.

Born in Europe, came to U.S. in 1949. Lived in Madison, WI until early 60's. Currently lives in Chicago with her husband Paul. Was Professor and Director of the Physical Therapy School at Northwestern University Medical School. Now enjoying retired life.