My name is Kay McMahon, a 29-year-old, dedicated mother and friend. Not to mention a displaced Yooper, a total realist, and a jack of all trades. I have one wonderfully awesome daughter, Autumn. She is sweet as pie and infinitely smarter than me. In the past four years, I worked part-time five days a week while also staying home full-time to raise my daughter. I enjoy all things musical, crafty and Upper Michigan!
Scott (or, as I affectionately call him, “Scoot”) and I met at Michigan Technological University during our undergraduate years. It was love at first Facebook comment. When we weren’t at parties or events, we were sneaking kisses between classes. We would walk to campus together then text all day long. He met my vulnerable side with logic and reason and somehow I made him relax. There is something so special about Houghton and the people you get to share it with.
Where I’m From
To best explain Houghton, imagine a place where snow banks get so tall that you can’t see over them. Imagine telephone poles that look shorter than average because of those snowbanks. Imagine a place where everyone knows your name, and teachers pick you up for school when the walking weather is too cold. The world moves slower up there. It’s not unheard of to see a car left running and the doors left unlocked. There is always someone around to plow snow or help move a quick four feet of it. Lastly but most importantly, however, is that the people there are uniquely authentic and kind. There is no place like it.
The Surprise
Scoot graduated in 2014 and took an engineering job in Novi, and we became long distance. We spent weekends traveling 18 hours, round trip, for a day of ice skating or doing homework just to be together. Nothing changed and that same good love kept growing. When I saw that little plus sign, I was six months away from graduation, and it was finals week. I had to evaluate our unexpected pregnancy as an adult. That’s a hard thing to do surrounded by beer pong champions!
I remember sitting in the student activities office on campus, crying about my future and its uncertainty to my trusted adviser, the inspiring Joe Cooper. I was surprised but motivated when I heard the words, which unknowingly at the time would later become the epitome of my narrative, of my very identity: “You get out of this life what you put into it; no matter how non-traditional your story was, is, or becomes, it doesn’t make it less valuable.” I took Joe’s advice with me that day, and I never looked back.
Our Life Now
Together Scott and I had been through so much it seemed the only thing left to do was make it work. So, in the ongoing process of making it work, Autumn continues to teach us what life is all about.
Currently, we live in Novi. I’ve spent the last four years immersing my quiet Yooper soul in this big city culture. We like to frequent local libraries and social events around the metro Detroit area. I am anxiously awaiting the day I can take Autumn to her first Detroit Red Wings Game; this area provides endless opportunity for young children, and I am so happy to raise her here. You can follow our family adventures on Instagram @realist_mama
I am working on reviving the professional life inside me as Autumn becomes school-aged. I’m thankful to have had the most challenging and sweetest days while staying home with my her. Motherhood is a job that has given me great direction and fulfillment. I am excited to use the invaluable skill set I’ve obtained in this role as I return to the workforce. I am enjoying my new role as the Senior Coordinator for the city of Wixom. I have high hopes of promoting fellowship and opportunity for Senior Citizens in West Oakland County.
My Philosophy
I treat my people like I’m making up for lost time and believe people who are willing to meet “halfway” are worth keeping around. I am certain loyalty is what helps us all sleep most comfortably at night. Applying these lessons to my life has brought me opportunity that just seems to keep on giving. I am steadfast in my principles and compassionate about a future that is filled with kindness without motive.
The best thing about motherhood is that the longer it continues, the more real you feel. It seems the more real you feel, the harder you love. I’m embracing that part of the journey the most. I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a contributor for Detroit Mom; I’m looking forward to cultivating connections and experiences in this big, beautiful city.
