Just when I thought I’d recovered from spring break, Mike left for a weeklong business trip to London. I’ve been on my own with the boys since last Saturday. A year ago, these trips terrified me. Riley was still a baby and Dylan was too young to understand Mike’s sudden absence. It was just so hard. It still is, but a year later, the boys are older and more understanding, and I guess I am, too. I hate to be a Complaining Mama, especially when there are so many other things in the world to worry about, so I’m dedicating this post to everyone and everything I’m grateful for this week.
First and foremost, I’d like to give a shout out to all the Single Mamas in the world. It is so hard to be the one – the only one – to get up with the boys in the morning, get them through the whole day and evening and then be the one – the only one – to put them to bed. On some nights, by the time we get to the teeth-brushing portion of bedtime, I want to strangle them with the floss. When Mike is out of town, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am when he is home to be able to walk away from the madness when I need to.
Next, my inner circle. My in-laws and sister-in-law, who live nearby, go into “stand-by” mode when Mike goes out of town and I love them for it. They’ve come over almost every day this week to distract the kids and me for a few hours. My parents, who live in Massachusetts, call almost every day, and my friend and fellow Mama, Karen, calls me at least half a dozen times a day to make sure I’m still standing. As isolated as I sometimes feel, I’m definitely not alone.
Sudafed. Riley caught a cold last weekend and has systematically passed it on to everyone in the house. Even Mike has been complaining of a sore throat in London. The only thing harder than being a Single Mama is being a Sick Single Mama. Sudafed has been a good friend this week.
Retail therapy. I know what you’re thinking. Shopaholic Mama is at it again with the emotional shopping. Well, I needed it. I found a sun dress at Macy’s on the clearance rack for $29.99 (original price was over $100!). I bought it and I’m not returning it. It was worth every penny and every ounce of guilt!
Dylan and Riley. Despite the sporadic bouts of wrestling, hitting, screaming, and whining, the boys have been really good this week. When Riley cries out for Daddy, Dylan tells him, “It’s okay, Riley. Daddy will be home in a few days. He loves you and misses you.” And Riley. He gives really good hugs and he’s slept until at least 6:30 every morning this week. My boys are taking care of me as much as I’m taking care of them.
Finally, I need to give a shout out to Mike. My globetrotting husband is working his butt off for us. I may be a Single, Sick, Shopaholic Mama this week, but I’m a Grateful one, too.
The Runaway Mama by Jen Gregory 