American writer Washington Irving said, “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” In celebration of mothers, the North Gwinnett Voice has asked several local mothers to reflect on motherhood, including both the joys and the challenges of such an important and influential role in the lives of children as they grow and develop.
North Gwinnett Voice: When did you become a mother?
Brook Arlotta: I became a mother almost exactly seven years ago with the birth of our son Ezekiel — becoming a mother was the best experience of my life.
NGV: Tell us about your family.
BA: We have a son Ezekiel who just turned 7, a daughter Tinda that just turned 5, our baby Giana that is 17 months.
NGV: What have been some of the joys you’ve experienced through motherhood?
BA: One of the very best things in motherhood for me has been when in the middle of the monotony (or chaos — depending on the day) of daily life with littles ones they will catch me off guard with deep insights or incredible questions about God, faith and life in general. It causes me to immediately reevaluate my own priorities and take time with them for truly important conversations. They are also SO FUNNY and they keep me laughing daily.
NGV: What about the challenges of being a mother?
BA: Each child is so different and needs to be disciplined, taught and encouraged in their own unique way. There are so many unknowns, but that’s where I have to do my best and trust God with the rest.
NGV: What does motherhood mean to you?
BA: Motherhood is the absolute best blessing. I thank God for the opportunity to raise these children, have fun with them, but most of all help them grow into the people God designed them to be.
