Reflections of a traveling mom
So here I am, in the West Coast, with only one of my 2 children. The other one is home with daddy as I fly out with my daughter to attend two weddings and use this time as a special trip for us girls.
As I reflect on my first day, here are some things that impressed on my heart:
1. Missing is a good thing
I have to say though I was excited about going - and feeling immensely blessed to have such a loving husband who not only let us go but encouraged us to enjoy it - part of me felt torn. I missed the boys immensely and at times even feel guilty for doing this trip.
I originally thought I needed to get over this feeling - that I needed to learn that my kids were growing up and that I needed to embrace this opportunity and not feel guilty. Though all of that is true, I am now beginning to think that though this is a new phase I am learning to embrace, I should be glad that I am missing the boys and that they are missing us. That shows a connection I have with everyone in my family - and it is not something I should or need to 'get over'. It is instead, something I sure hope will continue as the years fly by and as they become more and more independent.
So....yes, I miss them...but it's ok!
2. Precious Moments
This morning as we adjust to the 3 hour time change and as mother and daughter lay in bed just sleeping in, my daughter turned around, touched my face and simply uttered: "mommy, I love you". Her eyes were even close.
My heart warmed up, I smiled and responded "me too honey".
Or,
When, last night, after attending a late wedding rehearsal, as I drive through the night, I looked back in the mirror and saw my daughter asleep. For some reason I was able to savour that moment a lot more this time - It was a very tender moment!
These are rare moments ... no rush to get things ready for the next 'to-do' for the day. Just her and me...there...enjoying each other's company.
3. Yes I can
This is the first time I've ventured out on a trip with a kid without my husband. I know a lot of women have done this - and to even farther places than my 5 hour flight. But for me this was a stressful thing - too many things could go wrong...oh the pessimist in me! What if she has a meltdown? What if my back strength leaves me as I carry things and a kid around? What if I forget something on the plane?
Yesterday as I learned to drive in a new city with a little one in the back seat, as I tried hard to remember the roads, as I adjust my eyes to driving in the dark and in the rain...I realized...this is healthy for me. It is sometimes easier for me to just rely on my husband - this time I was leading this trip. I was making the calls. I was deciding where to go and what to eat. And God was reminding me....don't rely on people - but know that you can - and that Jesus is sitting right next to ya!
......More to come.....
As I reflect on my first day, here are some things that impressed on my heart:
1. Missing is a good thing
I have to say though I was excited about going - and feeling immensely blessed to have such a loving husband who not only let us go but encouraged us to enjoy it - part of me felt torn. I missed the boys immensely and at times even feel guilty for doing this trip.
I originally thought I needed to get over this feeling - that I needed to learn that my kids were growing up and that I needed to embrace this opportunity and not feel guilty. Though all of that is true, I am now beginning to think that though this is a new phase I am learning to embrace, I should be glad that I am missing the boys and that they are missing us. That shows a connection I have with everyone in my family - and it is not something I should or need to 'get over'. It is instead, something I sure hope will continue as the years fly by and as they become more and more independent.
So....yes, I miss them...but it's ok!
2. Precious Moments
This morning as we adjust to the 3 hour time change and as mother and daughter lay in bed just sleeping in, my daughter turned around, touched my face and simply uttered: "mommy, I love you". Her eyes were even close.
My heart warmed up, I smiled and responded "me too honey".
Or,
When, last night, after attending a late wedding rehearsal, as I drive through the night, I looked back in the mirror and saw my daughter asleep. For some reason I was able to savour that moment a lot more this time - It was a very tender moment!
These are rare moments ... no rush to get things ready for the next 'to-do' for the day. Just her and me...there...enjoying each other's company.
3. Yes I can
This is the first time I've ventured out on a trip with a kid without my husband. I know a lot of women have done this - and to even farther places than my 5 hour flight. But for me this was a stressful thing - too many things could go wrong...oh the pessimist in me! What if she has a meltdown? What if my back strength leaves me as I carry things and a kid around? What if I forget something on the plane?
Yesterday as I learned to drive in a new city with a little one in the back seat, as I tried hard to remember the roads, as I adjust my eyes to driving in the dark and in the rain...I realized...this is healthy for me. It is sometimes easier for me to just rely on my husband - this time I was leading this trip. I was making the calls. I was deciding where to go and what to eat. And God was reminding me....don't rely on people - but know that you can - and that Jesus is sitting right next to ya!
......More to come.....
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