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Slice-of-life stories about parenthood

The Gift of Time Alone

The Gift of Time Alone

May 14, 2012 by Amy, Using Our Words 4 Comments

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I’m one lucky mama. I know this every day. Even when I’m sitting in the pediatrician’s waiting room (again) or being yelled at for not being able to read minds (again). Well, this year Lenny and the kids decided to remind me of just how lucky I am (again). They sent me off to the local Westin (after decorating the room with magazines, cards and flowers as well as stocking the fridge with a bottle of wine and mini cupcakes) to spend an afternoon and night all by myself.

While some people might go crazy spending 18 hours alone, it was this mom-of-three-who’s-admitted-to-being-an-introvert’s idea of bliss. And the whole time, I couldn’t help but think the choices I was making were a lot like the ones my kids would make if they were in charge. Maybe I should let them call the shots more often.

I ate dessert first.

I went to the pool. Then decided I just wanted to sit on the steps.

I left my bathing suit on the floor.

I accidentally fell asleep in the middle of the afternoon.

All I wanted for dinner was a burger and fries.

I ate dinner in front of the TV. (Well, I tried to, but the TV wasn’t working.)

When the TV wasn’t working, I screamed dialed for help. And eventually—probably after finishing a riveting blog post—someone came up and plugged it in for me without asking why I didn’t try to solve the problem by myself.

I didn’t do what I was supposed to.

I woke up far too early. Then laid in bed reading, anxiously waiting for the kids to tell me it was time to get up.

I ran to the door when I heard four of my favorite voices coming down the hall. And I realized that 18 hours was exactly the deep breath I needed to be the best version of my kids’ mom again. (Which, of course, meant a picnic of donuts and a morning of swimming. Together.)

I hope Mother’s Day brought you smiles, love, cards, celebration and maybe even that moment of silence (or whatever else it is) you’ve been needing.

 

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Filed Under: Mom Musings Tagged With: celebration, getaway, kid, love, mother's day, relaxation

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Comments

  1. Jodie Hoffman says

    May 14, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    love this… I think I hinted too subtly to Matt and need to be more direct next year (i.e., reserve the room myself!) ;)!
    And really, though, the (horrific but intriguing enough) Grey series isn’t going to read itself … and lord knows I’m not taking it out in public to read while waiting for the kids to get out of school or an appointment to start… which limits my reading time to when Matt is out of town… which isn’t often. 😉

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      May 14, 2012 at 7:32 pm

      Too funny, I DO see the irony in this, but I spent the day reading Catching Fire. I realize it’s very un-mom friendly, but I just loved being able to dive in and read. Maybe the Grey series will be next.

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    May 15, 2012 at 4:19 am

    Amy – That’s amazing! I would give anything for just a few hours to myself. I did, however get some nice gifts from my husband and kids this mother’s day. It was a nice day…

    Reply
    • Amy, Using Our Words says

      May 16, 2012 at 9:11 am

      I’m so glad you had a special day, Michelle. Happy belated Mother’s Day!

      Reply

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I’m Amy, the girl next door. I’m your average obsessive mom/ happy wife/ freelance copywriter/ slice-of-life blogger/ social media addict/ chocolate lovin’ wino. Read More…

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