You see, as I sat before the glow of the laptop, the blinking cursor
and blank page eyeballing me in that challenging way that they do, I was sideswiped
by a sudden issue that demanded my immediate attention. My son crawled in my lap, wrapped his arms
around my neck, and launched into a hugfest.
Recently as I readied for the new year, I sat down and made a list of
my life’s priorities. Little Man was at
the top of the list, exactly where he belongs.
I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, especially with the recent
holidays. The kiddo was out of school
for over two weeks, and that meant lots of interruptions in writing. Some days, that meant no writing at all.
Being the OCD creature that I am, I admit to chafing a bit over not
getting in daily word counts. I tend to
be impatient when interruptions strike while I’m working. However, my priority list has been helping to
set me straight these days. My number
one job is being the mother to a child who requires a lot of time and
energy. He could care less about my word
counts or that my writing will get us the kitchen upgrade we need so
desperately. He’s not interested in the
fact that the floors need to be replaced (circa 1972 linoleum is waaaay ugly
stuff, especially when it’s chipping and peeling off the floor). As long as his tummy is full and his bed is warm,
the rest is not on Little Man’s radar.
What did appear on his radar today was the need for Mommy to stop
pecking at her keyboard and give him hugs.
So I did. Sometimes hugs are the
most important thing I do all day.
I don’t get a lot of the parenting thing right. I admit I screw up on a regular basis. Little Man eats too many sweets, I let him
get away with stuff he should not, and he’s allowed way too much time to play
video games. I am a far cry from Mother
of the Year. However, I take comfort in
one thing: I’m pretty sure I have my
priorities straight. The smile on Little
Man’s face while I’ve got my arms around him tells me so.
This log says you are Mom of the year. He gets your attention when he needs it. Keep up the good work. :)
ReplyDeleteI fall short of my ideals most of the time, but he will definitely know he is always the most important thing in my life. I can manage that much at least!
DeleteYour right, enjoy your time.
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteThere is a balance between providing for your family and being with your family. I have yet to find it the right mixture, but I try to error on the side of being with the family. Make the most of it.
ReplyDeleteWord counts wait.
Winter
http://winterbayne.wordpress.com/
I haven't found the right mixture either, but you're right ... absolutely those word counts can wait!
DeleteTrust me when the little man turns in to a teenager or is no longer home like mine are you wish you could still have the segments to treasure. No matter what is going on the kids are always number one and you should enjoy it while you can.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with putting family first. Today's society makes women feel like they aren't contributing members or living up to their full potential if they want to put children or home first.
ReplyDeleteI say good for you for being a real feminist by doing what's right for you in whatever stage of your life you are in. Please feel free to love and enjoy your child as much as you want, without ever having to explain or apologize to other people.
Your priorities are in the right order Tracy. Enjoy your time with him as when he gets older he won't want the hugs sooo much lol
ReplyDeleteYou've got it right, Tracy. My kids are grown now and my last one is getting ready to go off to college. Somehow I don't think when they look back on their years at home they're going to be thinking, Gee, I wish my parents had worked more. I know I won't. Those years are precious and all too short. Enjoy them.
ReplyDelete