I just read a post on a stranger's blog that in a nut shell, ripped apart, and reduced moms that drive mini vans to second class citizens.
I will not lie; it hurt my feelings! Why? Because I drive a mini van!
I could get all my righteous indignation up, and go on to write a laundry list of reasons why the minivan is just as great, if not better than what the "Cool Moms" drive. But instead I'll just say that it works for my lifestyle. I don't think about it much, I just know that I can wake up in the morning, hop in my mini van, which fits the fruits of my labors to muliply and replenish the earth: plus some, and drive away.
Oh, that and it is payed off.
I am not even promising that I will always drive a mini van. But I will always pray that the value I place on myself and others, is not dependent on the fact that the wheels beneath me are attached to the latest, sleekest model to come out of Fantasticland. (insert country of preference here.)
You can criticize mini vans all you want. Just be careful that the criticism does not extend to the person sitting behind the wheel. I don't want to be known as the defender of the Mini Van. Just the defender of the mom inside, who more than likely is someone, doing something wonderful in this world. Some of the most positively influential women in my life have driven me somewhere, at some point in their mini van!
Now, I have heard all the jokes about the mini van mom. Especially where I come from. They seem to be more prevalent among that demographic. I have realized this since living away. But never have I heard someone outright say that they are embarrassed to even be forced to sit inside of a mini van, even with someone they love. It got me thinking. That must mean that some people look at me when I pull up in my van, and can't see beyond that. How sad that makes me. I have been written off because of what sits in my garage! I am not up to snuff. Mini van moms need not apply.
I will always have room for more friends. (In my life, not just in the mini van I drive.) It is hard to find ladies with the same values and perspective. So please I beg of you, give me a chance!
I know that I am beyond the hip days.
I figured that anyone watching me walk into a room with a gigantic diaper bag over one shoulder, two kids clinging to my legs, a baby seat, and maybe even a pregnant belly, with my kids lunch smeared across it, is not going to label me a trend setter. So I thought why not drive a mini van on top of it?
But I also ask that if you are in the same situation I am, with the one difference, being the car we climb into in the parking lot, look a little harder. You may find something you can value in that Mini Van Mom. Maybe even something priceless.
13 comments:
All of the women that I love and respect have been, or are mini van moms. And I, myself, aspire to be the type of woman that they are and that you are Jessie! Love you!
This post cracked me up. You are right on the money with this one.
Whoever it was that posted all of that clearly has insecurities. In my opinion, people who can only find the negative in others or in something really don't have a grasp of who they are as individuals. It's almost like they are out to prove a point, or try to prove who they want to be. I say, to those people, be yourself and quit judging others!
Amen to all of that Jessica!
Well said, Jessica! Brava! You are a trendsetter with your high heels and cute kids. You should have put a link to that offensive blog here, we could all throw the proverbial egg at their "cool" vehicle. . .
I love my minivan! It is so practical and just works for us. It is sad when people only judge from the materail things in life. They are sure missing out on alot of great people! :)
Great post Jess!
You should have heard what people were saying when we only had one child and were driving our mini-van. I love mine--especially because it's paid off---and because we need the room--sometimes it feels like all we're missing is the kitchen sink. We totally live out of ours!~
HALLA to the mini-van moms!
You go girl! I drive a paid-for mini van too, and I'm telling ya, I wouldn't trade it in for anything! Mine even has a dent in the back from when I ran full speed backwards into the garbage cans while trying to back over the snow hill at the end of the driveway. It just adds character.
But with gas prices what they are (were, will be? ), the economy where it's at, and the fact that with kids comes kid stuff and extra friends, the minivan is perfect for me. And I lovingly refer to it as the "vangina". I know, right? But it works.
And I've totally missed reading your blog, so I'm adding you back on my list. I have no idea how I lost you!
I've been lurking on your blog (hope that's ok) I'm Jen's big sister Lisa. Remember me? I just wanted to say I loved your post. We have one child and I proudly drive a mini van. All those lost souls don't know what they are missing out on! I love your perspective on motherhood and it's fun to see your darling family. Anyway I'll gladly give you access to my family blog (it's only fair) if you want. I also have an open blog you are welcome to look at. Just leave a comment on my open blog (if you want) and I'll get your address from Jen.
Cool Moms drive Porsches
Great post, Jess! I think you are the hippest mom on the block!
Where did the mini-van stigma come from anyway? All the mini-van phobes need to chillax!
Randy said he would NEVER buy one and certainly NEVER drive it...well he did and does. So there! And it's paid off as well and there's room for the dogs too!
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