13 Comments
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Elaine's avatar

I liked reading your story. It's so sweet and honest. My daughter is now 25, but I remember feeling the ways you described. And I too would and wouldn't do it again. I didn't know what the world would be like in 25 years, but I knew my life would be better with her in it and it is. I love my sweet girl. May you and your family have many many years of love and sweet times together.

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Carrington Epperson's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing your wisdom with me! I’m looking forward to writing one day on what my motherhood is like when he’s 25 too. Sending lots of love!

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phae (they/them/queen)'s avatar

Your voice and presence in your writing is so powerful and distinct. It’s vulnerable and unflinchingly honest, which is further expanded on by great emotional and visual metaphors. Am I a mother? No. But I still felt like I was deeply able to relate to your journey as a human being having a very human experience. Plus, your first name is my last name and my partner is also a photographer and that is just absolute Kismet to me.

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Carrington Epperson's avatar

I truly appreciate your comment. It’s always nice to know we all can connect to another by words in lieu of via a physical hug

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Rachel Leeke Alexis's avatar

Thank you for your honest portrayal of motherhood. It's a reminder we get to own ourselves at every age, stage, and milestone.

Also, I love snapdragons. Alongside roses they're one of my favorite as well.

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Carrington Epperson's avatar

I hope to inspire other mothers to be authentic in their storytelling so more future parents can be better prepared for the possible blessings and challenges that lie ahead! Fingers crossed I get to plant some snapdragons this year 🙏🏾

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Sharifa's avatar

I teared up reading this. You are doing SO well, Mama.

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Carrington Epperson's avatar

Thank you so much! Means a lot to feel seen and supported by other women 🫶🏾

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Amara Amaryah's avatar

Wow there is so much here, so much to admire and take in. Firstly, I'm glad that I came across your newsletter and even happier that this was the first letter that I landed on. I'm 27 and can completely admire the reflections and kindness that you offer yourself in this new season of life. Also, yes to the new cycles and rebirths throughout the year, I can imagine this is amplified after becoming a mother but I wish more people recognized and embraced this.

You write so delicately and honestly but also candidly, it's a joy to sit with these words. I feel like your experience entering motherhood as a Black woman specifically is a collective feeling. Can't wait to read more!!

Also, you have the BEST 'About' page and bio I've seen on here - had to let you know!!

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Danielle Del Nodal's avatar

“For all he knows, I’m the best mama in the universe. Just got to remember that.” Absolutely loved this piece. The rollercoaster of postpartum and really all of it. I’ll never not be a mother it’s beautiful yet sometimes hard to hold when I’m still learning how to mother. Appreciate this and grateful to have found your stack✨

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Carrington Epperson's avatar

I tell anyone that being pregnant/first year postpartum felt longer than my 4 years at UVA lol but learning how to be a mother is much more fulfilling, turbulent journey. We got this mama! 💓

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Marc Typo's avatar

You’re going great. I’m only 7 months into being a dad, and this made me remember what my wife was feeling not too long ago. I’m just a little older than you, ok 6 years, but I wish we started/tried sooner.

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Carrington Epperson's avatar

Thank you so much! Our favorite time with E was between 5-8mo so I’m a tad jealous you’re in that sweet spot with yours (although every phase is great, I look fondly most at photos/videos from that era). Cheers to raising sweet little Black boys in this world!

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