tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post2859774146883917121..comments2023-04-12T04:58:59.365-04:00Comments on Party of 5: Dear MeeraHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05046870363509253257noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-72536113743330483302009-09-04T13:47:08.686-04:002009-09-04T13:47:08.686-04:00beautifully written. tugging at my heart strings....beautifully written. tugging at my heart strings. you are an amazing woman and i am sooooo incredibly proud of you for all that you do. i know, for one, you have had a significant impact on our lives and we love you to infinity, and beyond.<br /><br />sending you a huge HUG.<br /><br />love ya.Roxannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08368247877135137627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-50425466372457469702009-08-28T22:12:02.621-04:002009-08-28T22:12:02.621-04:00I don't believe the post was begging a solutio...I don't believe the post was begging a solution. There are just some forks in the road of life that demand a choice--neither being less or more satisfying. HBJ is just lamenting that we none of us can have it all. Follow a lifetime dream or give it up to support another's. Pursue art or medicine. Become a nun as a ministry or marry and minister to a family. These are ALL huge and WORTHY choices. Lighten up, Holier-Than-Thou.<br />I'm with you Heather. Lament all you want. Just because it's painful doesn't mean it's bad.Candishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15048710772876835877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-28543450938797954162009-08-28T19:32:39.961-04:002009-08-28T19:32:39.961-04:00A beautiful post Heather.
I am sorry there are s...A beautiful post Heather. <br /><br />I am sorry there are such negative folks out there :( You right when you said it is ignorant to assume that women work just for the $, the work you do is far more valuable than that and you should never be made to feel ashamed for your choices.This Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02209275607736567151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-61188835991590539192009-08-28T16:23:13.866-04:002009-08-28T16:23:13.866-04:00I was gonna say something partially articulate abo...I was gonna say something partially articulate about how the world needs you, but your husband said it all. Instead I'll look at my tutors and profs just that bit differently for what they may be forsaking to teach ME. What an honour. xx *tissue?Elyssium Earthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16909148549542032188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-3458114183646011292009-08-28T13:34:09.755-04:002009-08-28T13:34:09.755-04:00As a soon-to-graduate-sociologist, I consider it i...As a soon-to-graduate-sociologist, I consider it invaluable to see women ahead of me, who are balancing these different areas of self, identity, and social contribution.<br /><br />So big huge thanks to you, and wishing you much "kouraj" for the days when it's not so smooth.Triciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01658897622283996407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-26503654461642175812009-08-28T10:37:41.954-04:002009-08-28T10:37:41.954-04:00Heather,
I feel your sentiments deeply and couldn&...Heather,<br />I feel your sentiments deeply and couldn't stop my tears when reading. Your contributions to the world as a professional and as mommy are profound and appreciated by this manmi.<br />Hugs,<br />KChapter Twohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08484699863613715240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-48683222525463133382009-08-28T10:00:31.708-04:002009-08-28T10:00:31.708-04:00Hi Heather,
I do not comment very often but read ...Hi Heather,<br /><br />I do not comment very often but read your blog all the time and LOVE it!<br /><br />Thank you so much for sharing yourself so honestly to all of us outsides who cherish watching your family grow and learn together.<br /><br />I think you are a remarkable mom, wife and career women. Your WHOLE family is so lucky to have you. Keep it coming....<br /><br /><br />Thanks again,<br />CarolynCarolyn Tarpeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06291315580882948635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-2332632312833791062009-08-28T09:40:19.490-04:002009-08-28T09:40:19.490-04:00What a great role model you are for your children,...What a great role model you are for your children, Heather. This letter lets them know that parenthood is a complicated, emotional journey with often difficult choices that must be made as we all try to find the balance between who we are as individuals and family members.<br />I applaud your honesty in this blog!<br />TracyTGR101https://www.blogger.com/profile/11898017693413612583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-52653966386163324192009-08-28T08:28:46.693-04:002009-08-28T08:28:46.693-04:00Heather, thank you for your brave and courageous w...Heather, thank you for your brave and courageous work, at home and at your University. Yesterday I waved my #2 girl off to her freshman year of college and I left my baby boy for the first time in a year (I had the great fortune of a year's leave compliments of the public school system) - it was one of those rough days for me too. And like you, I could NOT imagine missing the eager questions of my freshman students during their first (and for many, only) introduction to cultural anthropology. I always think of myself as a window for my students - being present as a woman, a mom, a feminist....is as good for them as it is for me. So my son and I will make our adjustments and, well, crying is part of how we tell each other "you're important to me." Thank you.M and Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00557944772547796979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-77957914255151837142009-08-28T07:50:15.673-04:002009-08-28T07:50:15.673-04:00As a stay-at-home mom I am incredibly grateful tha...As a stay-at-home mom I am incredibly grateful that there are working women out there, busting down walls so that my precious daughter has the option to choose to do whatever it is that will make her happy. It takes both stay-at-home AND working moms to show our little girls all of their options. So thanks for doing what you are doing!Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11138252587098641619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-25693215197466543792009-08-28T07:07:01.800-04:002009-08-28T07:07:01.800-04:00Note to Anonymous:
I don't work solely for the...Note to Anonymous:<br />I don't work solely for the money. People who think that women like me are working just for the money are ignorant to much. I don't have the energy to educate you, so suffice it to say-- I am committed to the work I do for many reasons that are unrelated to money. And yes, in my career field, it *is* impossible to take 3-4 years off -- I would *not* be able to go back to where I left off. "How much would you have to give up?"... I'd have to give up a LOT: 22 years of full-time education, a PhD, the mentoring of professors who invested themselves in me and my career, tenure at a top-50 ranked university, and the knowledge that I'm transforming the lives of my students --and potentially many others-- through the work that I do... and that is just the tip of the iceburg.<br /><br />Lastly, if you are going to comment on this blog, at least have the guts to tell us who you are.<br /><br />P.S. If you have a daughter (or, if you don't, then hypothetically, if you did have a daughter...) when she goes to college would you want her to only have male professors? If not, if you would want her to have some female inspiration on the campus (i.e., something other than circa 1920s academe), then I, and others like me, cannot quit. Unless, of course, you'd only want female childless professors for your daughter... which presents a whole host of other issues that I don't want to delve into right now. Bottom line: think about the implications of what you are suggesting.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05046870363509253257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-38745233346810038332009-08-28T01:18:09.191-04:002009-08-28T01:18:09.191-04:00I just want to say a huge thank YOU for posting wi...I just want to say a huge thank YOU for posting with such honesty. I have been following your blog for many (ok, many many) months now. I am touched, inspired and in awe. For all of us out there, you touch on SO MANY TOPICS we all face and struggle with. I am a working career woman. When we bring our child home, I will wrestle with the exact feelings you just posted about. Please, people, don't think this lovely family doesn't take EVERYTHING into consideration before making an EDUCATED decision about how to handle their life. We all strive to make decisions that are best for our own families. Heather, Braydon - I am grateful beyond measure for your honest blog. Thank you for sharing your experiences of life with us. I promise not to be a lurker anymore. :)<br />BTW, I am a Waldorf grad (8th grade through 12th grade). I had to smile when I heard where the boys were going to school. :)<br />I adore your family and am inspired by your energy and will to provide your family with so much (I refer to all things not material).<br />Cheers to you and your beautiful family.Tegan, Gregory and Maiyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15818630591609170595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-86935507421855959602009-08-28T01:18:06.768-04:002009-08-28T01:18:06.768-04:00Heather,
Keep on keeping on is right. You are an a...Heather,<br />Keep on keeping on is right. You are an amazing mother, wife and professor. I know many women look up to you, including me.Mark and Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15092529758375734896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-67901269666620051882009-08-27T22:55:17.351-04:002009-08-27T22:55:17.351-04:00Heather,
I've been reading for a loooong tim...Heather, <br /><br />I've been reading for a loooong time, but I haven't commented in quite sometime...but for some reason I feel compelled today.<br /><br />As a mother, reading this post broke my heart. Your writing is amazing.. You capture the enormous love you have for your kids in a way, that I think many of us reading can feel it!<br /><br />I love how honest you are.<br />about everything. the good. the bad the ugly. <br /><br />I'm so sorry that on a day like today, when you feel the way you do, someone would take a jab at you. and a cowardly jab at that.Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10338232754452474187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-91086247501848346062009-08-27T22:49:09.136-04:002009-08-27T22:49:09.136-04:00beautiful letter. I suspect I will write something...beautiful letter. I suspect I will write something similar to my (future!) children someday. I admire your work & life!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11067369093249269809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-50770562200950964582009-08-27T22:14:50.693-04:002009-08-27T22:14:50.693-04:00I think the decision to work or not to work is a h...I think the decision to work or not to work is a hard one and I can see both sides. Many women would die for the chance to stay home and raise their children but finances do not allow. While others choose to work even if they don't "have" to. The two sides have been battling it out for decades and I highly doubt a resolution is on the horizon.<br /><br />I can understand Heather's desire to work outside the home and cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone feels it their job to stand in judgement.Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14616187772404216643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-42548126834779785372009-08-27T21:44:14.563-04:002009-08-27T21:44:14.563-04:00I for one think my wife is totally awesome, love h...I for one think my wife is totally awesome, love her more for what she does and support her a billion percent. It's hard everyday, but it so much richer, fuller and wonderful than if she was not working.<br /><br />I also believe Heather's contribution to the world is tremendous both in terms of the effect she has on her students, and also the long term societal impact and implications of her scholarship. <br /><br />She is blazing trails in creating a model that young women can look up to and emulate. One that is honest about her feelings yet, committed to the good works she does.<br /><br />We all should give to the greater good where we can, and Heather goes above and beyond every day.<br /><br />(sorry about the deleted comment, I messed up the previous one).Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01251586884036392338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-83767785802225040422009-08-27T21:35:26.572-04:002009-08-27T21:35:26.572-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01251586884036392338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-91596148613421277132009-08-27T21:27:26.265-04:002009-08-27T21:27:26.265-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05046870363509253257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-40532417372113916622009-08-27T21:05:26.572-04:002009-08-27T21:05:26.572-04:00do you really have to work? amazing home. amazing ...do you really have to work? amazing home. amazing pool. a guy to mow your lawn, out-of-country vacations...things we only dream of. it seems like you make an incredible salary, between the 2 of you, atleast. would it be impossible to take 3-4 years off and go back when she enters full time k or 1st grade? how much would you have to give up? you dont get these years back. you seem so torn, i dont know. i just wish you could be home with them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-37606034470172771642009-08-27T18:56:32.750-04:002009-08-27T18:56:32.750-04:00... and it NEVER gets any better. I still cry when...... and it NEVER gets any better. I still cry when I leave my 35 year old daughter in her lovely home, with the best husband, and the cutest daughter. Even though I know with all of my heart that she is in the best of situations, it still hurts. <br /><br />This was said hoping that you realize that your reactions are totally normal (I know you are a sociologist). Your mother feels the same way when you leave her. It is okay. We just don't cry in front of them!!!Mary McG in TNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03693768349817481492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-66844327940683377682009-08-27T18:15:20.115-04:002009-08-27T18:15:20.115-04:00This is a great letter.
Please remove sincerely a...This is a great letter.<br /><br />Please remove sincerely and sign it Love, Mommy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-23405650313235227652009-08-27T17:27:05.063-04:002009-08-27T17:27:05.063-04:00You made me cry. Again.
Can you tell me who did ...You made me cry. Again. <br /><br />Can you tell me who did the artwork on the top? Its very lovely.tshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12444829568322030127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-26405133081781809422009-08-27T17:00:25.833-04:002009-08-27T17:00:25.833-04:00Hang in there, comrade!
love,
PatriciaHang in there, comrade!<br />love,<br />PatriciaPatriciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16917063925051460159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35860543.post-90820791794190959012009-08-27T16:01:25.489-04:002009-08-27T16:01:25.489-04:00A teary MorMor send her love.A teary MorMor send her love.MorMorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06954509287808649112noreply@blogger.com