Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
With Mother’s Day this Sunday (don’t forget!) Farms.com is connecting with moms in the ag industry for a Q&A about motherhood, its challenges, and words of wisdom for new moms.
The first mom to participate is Trish Cook, (TC) a cash crop and hog farmer from near Winthrop, Iowa.
Her and her husband, Aaron, have three adult children – Holly, Spencer, and Kirby.
“All of our children are independent thinkers, competitive, and quick to learn. Holly has many first-born traits in that she is a very hard worker, responsible, and determined. We tease Spencer a lot about being the middle child, but he is quick witted, catches on to any subject very quickly and has a great love of history,” Cook told Farms.com.
“Kirby is the youngest and very family oriented. We spent a lot of time together (mom and son) when he was a child going to his older sibling’s activities and he is also a huge sports fan and can discuss any sport.”
Farms.com: Describe where you were when you found out you were pregnant for the first time. How did it make you feel?
TC: This seems like a lifetime ago, but I was at home and felt such a rush of emotion about the thought of being a mom. I was so excited and at the same time a little overwhelmed because I felt I had so much to learn!
Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time.
TC: When I held my daughter in my arms for the first time, it felt so natural and like a miracle all at the same time.
Farms.com: What’s the best part about being a farm mom?
TC: Raising our kids on the farm. It taught them about hard work and the rewards of the work seeing new animals born and grow and also harvesting crops that had been carefully tended to.
Farms.com: What’s the hardest part about motherhood?
As a parent, I always wanted to protect my kids and it was hard to let them make their own decision, but that decision making ability helped prepare them for adulthood.
From left: Kirby, Trish, Spencer, his wife Madison, Aaron and Holly. (Navy James Photography).
Farms.com: What’s a misconception people have about motherhood?
TC: Parenthood doesn’t look like all of the perfect photos that are perfectly manicured and posted on social media. It’s also not easy – much like the old saying of the Army - “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.”
Farms.com: What’s your mom’s name? What are some special memories you have with her?
TC: My mom is Doris McEvoy. I had 7 siblings – I was six of eight, so we had to learn a lot about sharing. My mom taught me a lot about cooking and baking, and she is a wonderful grandmother. She loved all ages of kids, but especially loves to cuddle babies. She is now a great-grandmother, and she especially loves that!
Farms.com: What’s one lesson you learned from your mom you try to teach your kids?
TC: My parents both worked very hard on the farm, but also found time to enjoy activities as a family. My family loved to boat, and we would do that a lot in the summer. My husband and I also love to boat and so do our kids – It’s a nice getaway from the farm and a way to enjoy a beautiful summer day! Even our adult kids make it a priority to join us on the boat.
Farms.com: How has parenthood changed you?
TC: Parenthood doesn’t allow me to put myself first. My kids come first, and my needs are secondary.
Farms.com: What’s one thing all parents have in common no matter where they are in the world?
TC: All parents wish the best for their kids - most importantly to have good friends, good health, and a rewarding career.
Farms.com: What’s one piece of advice you have for new moms?
TC: Do not get drawn into the picture-perfect world that is posted on social media. There are good days and there are challenging days. Parents rarely post about the challenging days, but everyone has them.