Are you there, God? It’s me, mom. For Mother’s Day, can I please be left alone?
I had the dream again. The one where my hands go cold and my heart starts pounding. I feel like that alien from the Alien movies is going to pop out of my chest, but when I look down it turns out to be a stack of dirty dishes and a list of overdue homeschooling assignments. Weird, right? Because I totally turned in the assignment for my 6-year-old that I wrote with my non-dominant hand. When I wake up, I realize that was no dream— it was yesterday.
When the lockdown started, I was calm|When the lockdown started, I was calm
More to the point, my family doesn’t get it|More to the point, my family doesn’t get it
My time to recharge is interrupted. They need me to find their lost fork or the drawer it lives in. My mom guilt motivates me to help, and that task leads to another and another — and suddenly, it’s bedtime.
I keep telling them that some time alone will only make me a more patient and awesome person. I give of myself all day, so why can’t they give me a little break to rejuvenate? My disappointment kicks in hard when this doesn’t happen because I’d love to feel heard and valued. I’d certainly have more “me time” in my “me time.”
|
My time to recharge is interrupted. They need me to find their lost fork or the drawer it lives in. My mom guilt motivates me to help, and that task leads to another and another — and suddenly, it’s bedtime.
I keep telling them that some time alone will only make me a more patient and awesome person. I give of myself all day, so why can’t they give me a little break to rejuvenate? My disappointment kicks in hard when this doesn’t happen because I’d love to feel heard and valued. I’d certainly have more “me time” in my “me time.”
Maybe we just need a little practice ... so why not practice on Mother’s Day?|Maybe we just need a little practice ... so why not practice on Mother’s Day?
Generally, I prefer a Mother’s Day spent with family because it’s a day our schedules are guaranteed to match. But this year, I’m guaranteed to see my family every day, so I’m wondering if I can ask for a different gift. My family can skip the burnt toast in bed and give me the gift of some true alone time this Mother’s Day. And maybe a deadbolt lock for the bathroom door.
|
Generally, I prefer a Mother’s Day spent with family because it’s a day our schedules are guaranteed to match. But this year, I’m guaranteed to see my family every day, so I’m wondering if I can ask for a different gift. My family can skip the burnt toast in bed and give me the gift of some true alone time this Mother’s Day. And maybe a deadbolt lock for the bathroom door.
