13/07/2025
Today after church, I went to my favorite café to submit ANOTHER summer course paper… mental note: summer school might not be the move - WHEW!
As I settled in, I heard crying—three kids under 7. Loud, restless, and VERY overstimulated. I could feel the tension growing in the café... people started leaving. I understood why—it’s meant to be a quiet space to unplug and sip overpriced pastries in peace.
But I couldn’t ignore what I saw.
One overwhelmed mama.
Silent.
Still.
Uncontrollable Crying.
She wasn’t responding to her kids. She just sat there, and I recognized that feeling immediately.
I walked over and asked if she was okay. Not to judge. Just as a "fellow" mom in this motherhood journey. Sometimes we just need someone to see us... and sincerely ask if we’re okay.
There’s no clock-in, clock-out with motherhood. And if you don’t have a village? Whew. It can swallow you whole.
This summer, check in on your mom friends. School’s out. Kids need constant attention. Childcare costs beyond what anyone could afford.
And breathing room? - that's a joke! It's not built in if you can't afford it.
Let’s talk about it. Let’s normalize asking for help. Let’s check in on each other without shame.
If you’re reading this, send a loving text to a fellow mom or caregiver today. It matters more than you know. The P.A.M Project hasn't hosted a Black mom meet up in a minute - we are overdue!
If you reside in the NYC (NY, NJ, PA) tri-state area and are interested creating "breathing room" EMAIL ME: Preserveamom@gmail.com or schedule time with me to share your story: https://bit.ly/3IjJ2f0
Connect with The P.A.M Project for community, support, and healing: https://linktr.ee/pam4blackmuvas
Peace and blessings,
Ms. Alicia James
