In life, we tend to take a lot of things for granted. We often breeze through our days thinking about the things we don’t have, instead of the things we do.
This came to my full attention on vacation when I had to share one restroom with my boys and husband. While this may not sound like a big deal, it became quite the ordeal as the week progressed. Let’s just say we had our own “bleachable” moments.
Not only did the boys make big messes with toothpaste and toilet paper, and the inability to hit the target, they also apparently have synchronized bathroom habits. It never failed when one boy (big or small) would go, the others would have to suddenly go as well. So everyone (not occupying the restroom) would jump around in the hallway waiting their turn … some did this better than others. Patience is a hard thing to learn.
There are four words every parent dreads hearing: “Are we there yet?”
Yes, those little words hold enough power to bring despair to your heart … especially when you are five minutes in to a 9-hour drive.
“No, not yet.”
“When will we be there?”
“Not soon enough,” you say again through gritted teeth under your breath.
Yes, nothing quite says summer like a good family road trip — setting out on the open highway for a change of scenery and new experiences.
But taking car trips across the country with your kids can be an adventure in and of itself. The screaming, the crying, the multiple rest area stops, dropped toys, and food fights … yes, it’s a time that brings everyone together … perhaps a little too together.
Why does time have to fly by when you are having fun?
It drags on and on when you are doing something you don’t want to do (like exercise), and yet speeds up when you are having the time of your life.
Apparently, I’ve been having a blast lately, because I’ve suddenly turned around, and I’ve realized I don’t look like the person I used to be. I am not even exactly the woman my husband married.
I am someone quite different now. Ten years ago, I probably wouldn’t even recognize myself as I am today. I am a mother with two kids — a little bit older, hopefully a little bit wiser, but definitely changed.
Your parents always tell you that life after kids will be different. But you shrug it off. What do they know anyway?
You’ll be the person who changes the limits. You’ll be the parent who has it all — the career, the exciting hobbies, the parent of the year award. Yes, life is going to happen for you.
Sometimes I wonder about the shadow of my former self. Before I was married, my great love was a 16.1 hand, bay Thoroughbred named William.
