It’s been a month since we launched Mom Friends, and we have so many people to thank for their support over the past several weeks. In particular, our mothers. None of this would’ve been made possible without our moms launching the three of us 31 years ago (separately, of course).
They have been there for us in so many ways since 1985. Whether baking Minnie Mouse/alien cakes, teaching us signature dance moves, or sewing slightly embarrassing clothing to wear to school, they’ve shown us that strong women take risks and aren’t afraid to put themselves out there.
Since launching Mom Friends, they have let us know all about 80s postpartum life...like, a lot. So, we thought we would give them a platform to share with the world (that’s right Moms, the world!). Here it is!
Aviva's Mom: Melanie, 62
1st birth: 1985, Montreal, QC
Special talents: Baking, dancing, American Idol karaoke
What was happening in the world: Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon dedicated in Central Park
Lisa's Mom: Jan, 62
1st birth: 1984, London, ON
Special talents: Quilting, painting, introducing/subjecting her children to KD Lang in her smelly K-Car
What was happening in the world: Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom was owning the box office (some things are timeless)
Elizabeth's Mom: Suzanne, 67
1st birth: 1982, Ottawa, ON
Special talents: Singing, gardening, Yoda impressions
What was happening in the world: Arnold Schwarzenegger became a US citizen (as a musician, if you tell my Mom in Arnie voice, “I’ll be back,” she’ll respond with “Ok. I’ll be Beethoven!” #lovingeyeroll)
Despite all that, our moms made it through and raised some really incredible, talented and humble daughters. For that, we want to say thank you and Happy Mother's Day! xoxo
With love,
Liz, Lisa and Aviva
BONUS MATERIAL: Lisa's Grandmother June, 89
First birth experience: 1948, Sarnia, ON
What was happening in the world: Turns out, A LOT: Joe DiMaggio was playing for the Yankees, Apartheid was taking hold in South Africa, Arab-Israeli war, Winston Churchill was still PM of the UK.
Lisa’s Grandmother June shared her thoughts about postpartum, via email like a class-act does.
“I had an easy labour - was a couple hours. 7lb. 10oz. We were living with your great-grandparents on Stuart Street in Sarnia. They helped as much as they could despite struggling with arthritis. My mom was in a wheelchair by then. I was kind of taking care of more than just the baby at the time.”
Lisa: Here is Grandma June taking care of baby Remi shortly after his birth.
