Lunch Mummies

We almost always meet for lunch, that's why we call ourselves the Lunch Mummies. It's that simple.

I have a small set of friends, mummies themselves, and we meet regularly for lunch to chat, share, complain, cry, laugh, advise and support each other on this journey of motherhood. It's like belonging to a fraternity where we air out all our highs and lows, there are no judgments nor comparisons. There is plenty of encouragement, camaraderie, understanding and have I mentioned no judgments already?

When one sits down at that lunch table, you already have an "A" in motherhood. An "A" for being vulnerable, for being willing to say it like it is, an "A" for showing up, warts and all. And who doesn't want an "A"?

A date with Lunch Mummies is like going to group therapy, with wine! You're reminded that you're not meant to get it all right the first time round. Sometimes, it takes three tries. You're encouraged to have a good ole cry if you need it. You're cautioned to not set up camp on down days and you learn to accept that sometimes you need to ride the dragon. You're reminded that no matter what path you've chosen, you count, you are special!

And there is laughter, lots of it. Laughter at the blonde moments, the oversights, the oopsies and the milking it with the kids and husbands. There is fashion advice, sale notice reminders, patient bedside visits and crafting tips.

Over a milkshake, we talk of our hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children. We share our troubles, our regrets and our misgivings. We talk and talk and talk, jumping from headaches to office politics to potty training to the turquoise purses at Mango.

Having lunch with the Lunch Mummies is like going for a swim in the ocean. The water is warm and welcoming, and one feels refreshed and calm after having had the sea wash away all ones troubles.

Tamatave 2013