By Briahna Brett Perkins
As a little girl, I loved to play “make believe.” I would spend hours pretending to be my favorite TV or movie characters, creating my own little imaginative worlds of wonder and adventure. Among my favorite roles to play were the daring and exuberant Anne from Anne of Green G
ables, the prissy and fashionable Margaux from Punky Brewster, the graceful yet clumsy Maria from The Sound of Music, and the hopeful and poised Cinderella. I had a wooden kitchen set, hand-crafted by one of my Dad’s chiropractic patients, that was the stage for many of my creative ventures. Built around it was a miniature house made of food storage cans and buckets full of wheat, oats, rice and dehydrated food, stacked up and sectioned off by large pieces of plywood. There were stories and rooms to my little house that I would get lost in hour after hour, as I assumed my chosen character.
There was one particular character I loved depicting the best—one that I loved mimicking and imagining myself as more than any other. It wasn’t from a TV series or classic movie. It wasn’t imagined up or created from some fictitious character. It came from my everyday life. It came from watching my Mom each day, from observing her in our home—loving, working, teaching, and nurturing. I wanted to be my Mom.
Fast forwarding many years later, I found my Gilbert Blythe and my Prince Charming, realizing the dreams of a young, imaginative girl. Soon to follow, my ultimate dream came true and I discovered that I was going to be a mom. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I thought back to my years of watching and pretending to be my Mom, and wondered how I’d actually play the role myself. Then it happened. My sweet baby Ivan was born and I could now be a real, live mom. That is me! I’m a mom!
Since Ivan’s birth, over 5 months ago, I have found the role of mother to be more rewarding, heavenly, joyous, tiring, humorous and beautiful than ever imagined. The same hours I spent pretending to be a mom are now spent actually being a mom, and I couldn’t be more blessed or happy. As I wrote in a recent letter to my brother, Garon, who is serving a mission for our church in Bogotá, Colombia, “I LOVE being a mommy! Being a mother to the most wonderful little son has made me happier and more purpose-filled than I’ve ever been before! I absolutely love losing sleep, being spit up, drooled, pooped and peed on, doing endless laundry, having an achy back due to carrying Ivan all over the place, loading up tons of stuff everywhere I go, not having much if any control of my own schedule, and working harder, longer hours than I’ve ever worked before. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me! I also love looking into my baby’s eyes and seeing how innocent, loving and sweet he is. I love cuddling with him in my arms; watching him breathe softly while he sleeps; seeing his eyes light up and a big grin come across his face when he sees me; seeing him wake up in the morning with a big yawn and a stretch; spending precious “mommy/Bitty” time in the wee hours of the night when he’s hungry; holding him close to my body as he eats and holds my hand; watching him discover new things and being amazed at himself; seeing him develop and become more coordinated, aware, fascinated and strong; and the list goes on and on and on. I love being a mom!!!”
From the stages of my imagination to the stage of real life, I am thankful for the role of mother, and am so happy to now make my “make believe” world a reality.
Dear Briahna,
I have had the opportunity to watch you each sunday in church as you progressed through these most delightful of all changes in a girl’s life.
It was wonderful when you or your family members would do a musical number for us in church, then from a seat behind you in church we began noticing you sitting with the family of the man you were soon to marry. Got to witness the kisses stolen during sacrament meeting, or was it just the loving way you had together? (….) that’s a smile]
There were kisses snatched in the hall……(….)
Then we heard of your marriage and later saw your growing belly as you would go up to the piano to play for us.
We were always so happy for you, Becky and I, and the whole congregation. Your joy was contagious. It was written on your face in smiles and peace, utter joy and satisfaction.
Now that we are in seperate wards we miss you.
God bless you and your little family. We are happy to have known you.
Beth
Beth! We sure love you a Becky. Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. Briahna is so amazing as a mother, a sister, a wife, and a friend. We’re so glad you’ve noticed some of what we’ve known for so long. Hope you’re doing well over there.
Can’t wait to see you and Becky again soon!
Oh, must add that I loved your post and was delighted to learn of your childhood play acting and your favorite characters, Anne, Cinderella and Maria are some of ours too.
I remember you and your mother sharing with us one sunday about your trip to Germany and how much you too had loved Maria’s book.
And the food storage items created your imagination house…..(….) how delightful.
Thank you for sharing and for this reply area.
Have a safe and happy tour.
Beth
Brihanna: it is so nice to read your blog and your excitement of being a MOM. That is so precious as so many babies do not have the chance to even be born into this busy world of ours. Keep up the good work.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you in Fremont Nebraska in April. In the meantime, God Bless You and your family, travel safely and most of all take care of Ivan. See you soon. Cathy White-Omaha, NE
Cathy, thank you for the kind reply. Briahna is doing a beautiful job as a mother. That little dude is spoiled! Can’t wait to see you in Fremont! It’s going to be a great experience!