I recently finished Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin. The book talks about what it’s like to be a mom on the upper east side of Manhattan. These women have a stank ton of money. Martin tells of the rituals of such women that represent a minority that live ever so large with stylish Prada bags, red bottom Louboutin heels, and Brazillian blowouts all for the preschool drop off. Chapter after chapter wielded surprises that had me raising my eyebrows. If you haven’t read it I recommend giving it a go. I listened to it on my trusty library app. While most of the book was fascinating as I discovered how these women live, I was also troubled at the catty and cold ways women can treat each other.
To be honest I was left in tears at the last chapter hearing of the hardships many experienced. No matter if you are a billionaire on Park Avenue or a mom clipping coupons in the sub-development we are not excused from pain or trauma. It will find us.
The end of the book prompted me to pray for mamas everywhere. I pray that you would not spend your time tearing down another but building one another up. I pray you would seek to build bridges with other women rather than stew in jealousy. We are nurturers not just to our families but to each other. We bring healing and wholeness to each other when we look to walk alongside another. It can be done. It has been and will continue to be. When we experience suffering may it not be alone, but in the company of women we trust and love.. May it be ones who speak value and hope in the dark of our moments. This is my prayer.