To a dear friend on a difficult day.

I had nine days off.
Most of them were hard.
I am not complaining. Not at all. What could be better than hanging out all day with your two sweethearts?
I just forgot how difficult it is to keep 2 pre-schoolers entertained.

There is so much to be said for the structure that pre-school has added to our lives. When I was a full-time stay-at-home mom - we literally stayed in our pj's almost all day! Now it's get up, get ready, and go! Go! GO!

This morning, I was enveloped with feelings of dread. I was not really ready to give up on the idea of a whole week off. I honestly thought about not going back. (Plus we're a bit sick so it was almost permissible.)
I started to feel sorry for myself.
I decided to pull up some blogs.
And there it was - my big fat kick in the pants.

It came in the form of a post written by a new momma who is facing going back to work full time. Today.
I was ashamed of myself for being so whiny.
I only have to work about 25 hours a week, MAYBE 30.
If ever I get lonesome for my babies, I can pop in their classrooms and hug them - or just peek in from the doorway and watch while they are unaware.
There are people I know and really love that are going through things that are far more difficult and painful than me.

I have had her in my prayers all day long.
And staying in that atmosphere of prayer for someone else seemed to make my day go by more quickly.
I guess when you pull your head out of your plunger-shaped navel for long enough, you really can't help but feel better.
So J. your heart has ached an ache that only mothers know. My heart ached for you today.
And your candor in thoughts, although heart-wrenching to read, showed your great love for your family.

I hope the boys did wonderfully today.
And I hope your day went by as smoothly as could be expected.
Much love to you, my friend - you are a true hero.