I’ve always admired Hermonie and Luna. But as I have gotten older I relate and admire Molly Weasley even more. Perhaps as a mother I can relate to her struggles and what she wants most. (Warning: Spoilers)
I remember reading about Molly struggling to battle a boggart in the Black Mansion. I was sobbing, think about what it would be like to face such evil, knowing that by standing up to it you could lose your husband or dear children. Your moral courage wouldn’t want to stop fighting. But the heartache and fear that you couldn’t help but feel during that time.
I remember how emotional I felt when it’s the final battle at Hogwarts. Molly, an amazing wizard herself, was dueling with Bellatrix Lestrange. Mind you for years Molly has been concerning herself with knitting sweaters for her kids (and Harry) for Christmas, running and managing a home with seven children, & and stretching their modest income to provide for 7 children. Bellatrix was a skilled duelist and had spent her time torturing and killing others.
Yet Molly had something worth fighting for. And so this brave and devoted mother found herself battling one of Voldemort’s most faithful followers. And don’t forget at this time Molly had already lost one of her own children.
I know how much Molly loved her sons. How she sacrificed so much for them. And I only have half the number of sons. I know how much I love and adore my own three sons. And also the absolute joy that came when I finally had a daughter.
So when she saw Belltrix dare approach her youngest, her only daughter, I felt the protective declaration Molly uttered, “Not my daughter, you witch*“.
It’s not that I love my daughter more than I love my sons. Or that my daughter isn’t brave or strong or capable. Because she is all those things, as is Ginny. But there is something different about raising a daughter.
Maybe because after raising just boys for 8 years I suddenly had a whole new list of concerns on top of the concerns I already experienced with my sons.
How can I teach her she is more than just a pretty face?
How can I help her understand her body is an instrument, not an ornament?
How can I show her the beauty of womanhood and motherhood when others don’t value these ideas?
How can I show her that she can do anything boys can do, even if it hasn’t done before?
The world has so many harmful messages for our sons and daughters. But suddenly I had to change my game plan. Or at least take on new challenges.
I want to be like Molly Weasley! Someone who noticed a kid who needed extra love and attention. Someone who was probably already stressed about giving her kids a great Christmas but didn’t think twice about giving to someone in need. Even if this boy could afford to buy new wands and books, while your children couldn’t.
I want to be someone who sacrifices and cares more about teaching character than having the perfect home. Who values what really matters. Who isn’t afraid to send a howler and someone who encourages and supports their kids, even when they forge their own pathways that might not have been what I would have chosen. I want to be kind and inclusive.
And kind of parent who is there and where everyone is invited to gather at her table. And a woman who is willing to stand up to evil and get to work, even while raising my family.
I want to call my hubby adorable nicknames and sing loudly to music that I love while doing the dishes. I want to love my children fiercely. And I want them to know that even when I correct them.
And a parent who at times tell the forces of the world, “Not my daughter, you witch*”.
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