VA Wanderer

We played a Doraemon movie for our son the other day. We thought it would be a fun way to show him a glimpse of mom and dad's childhood.

Cartoons like Doraemon were a big part of my core memories growing up. Back then, there were no cellphones, just weekend mornings waking up early, rushing home after school and playing outside, just to catch my favorite shows.

Life back then was simple. No bills, no stress, just dreams, pure, simple joy.

As we watched Doraemon, it wasn't just our son who was captivated, it was me and my husband. It felt like time froze for a moment and suddenly, we weren’t tired adults anymore. We were kids again. Watching Doraemon wasn’t just nostalgic, it was healing and heartbreaking at the same time.

There was a scene where Nobita and Doraemon used a time machine to visit his grandmother in the past, and it hit me so hard I couldn’t hold back my tears. It made me wishh deeply that I had a Doraemon of my own, so I could go back in time. Back to the days when my mom was still strong and healthy. Back to when I didn’t have to think about bills, responsibilities, or the weight of being “the strong one.”

I wish I could relive those moments. I wish I had hugged her longer, listened more deeply, appreciated her strength without letting my ego get in the way. If I had the chance, I’d choose to be more loving, more patient, and more present.

Now that I’m a parent, I realize how hard it truly is. Being a mom isn’t just about raising kids. It’s about holding everything together even when you're falling apart inside. You wake up tired, you carry burdens silently, and you still manage to show up for the ones you love. Because love is what drives you, even on your weakest days.

I know regrets can’t fix the past. But they can teach us. And what I’ve learned is, if you still have the people you love, cherish them. Show them, tell them, love them deeply now. You don’t need a time machine to make someone feel appreciated today.

My mom may not be as strong as she used to be, but she’s still here and that’s more than enough reason for me to keep going. I’ll do better. I’ll love harder. Because I’ve learned from my past, and I refuse to live with more “what ifs.”

To all parents out there fighting quiet battle, keep going. You are your family's Doraemon 🥰

Let’s not wait for time machines to make things right. Let’s do it today. While we still can. 🫶

To all the busy or working moms out there:

A lot of things wont go your way, and its okay to feel tired.

Some people may turn their back on you, and its okay to feel hurt.

Ive realized that life will never be easy and everyday can feel like a struggle but what matters is how you face it. How you choose to see it.

You’ve come so far already, and you’ve overcome so many challenges.

And guess what? Youre still standing. You’ve got this momma! 💪