Dear Dr. Laura,
I am a relatively recent listener (within the past couple of years), but I feel like I've known you for ages! I am a 35 year old woman, and proud to be my husband's girlfriend and my kids' STAY AT HOME mom! I have been at home with my children for 12 years, since our first son was born and I have never looked back!
I've always been the first to say that I wanted to stay home even after all my children were in school, as I believed they needed a calm mom to come home to who has managed the home, run the errands, done the volunteer work and such, and is ready for quality time with her children when they came in the door from school. I have always wanted to be the home my children want to bring their friends to, to hang out, play, whatever!
I admit that lately, though, I have been having a bit of an identity crisis. Now that all three of my children are in school full time, the thought of getting a part time job during the day has crossed my mind. I am happy to say that today, I made my decision!
You see, today my son's school called me to tell me that he'd thrown up. Yes, that awful stomach flu is going around! What a blessing in the timing, Dr. Laura! I know that sounds weird, but I realized the differences in my life if I were to go back to work (even part time!):
I was able to be at my son's side within 10 minutes of getting the phone call. That included time to grab a "puke bucket," throw on my shoes and drive to the school. There were no frantic explanations to an employer, no trying to get a shift covered, no waiting to get to my son!
I was able to comfort an embarrassed 2nd grader who'd just thrown up in class, in front of all his friends, while the emotions were still fresh and the tears were still on his cheeks. I was able to share embarrassing stories of my childhood and reassure him that we all have things that have embarrassed us, but that it DOES get better! I think he even believed me!
I was able to get him cleaned up and in his PJ's, start another load of laundry and get him tucked into bed, only to hear him ask me for snuggle time. If I were distracted by missing work, or worried about missing work in the coming days because of getting sick myself, I would have missed a very precious time of comforting my sick and upset child.
I was able to witness the caring and concern my older children showed for their sick brother when they arrived home from school, and if I were working I would have missed this major opportunity to applaud them for their character!
I was able to stay calm and care for my family, because I know that whatever "normal" daily chores I'm falling behind in while caring for my sick child, will still be there waiting for me tomorrow. But tomorrow my child might not be needing care, comfort, or asking his mommy for snuggle time!
Thank you for all you do to encourage me!
L.
