Reflections of a traveling mom

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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.....

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