It is days like today, that I am reminded of my age (and
the age of my kids.) It was my 20th
reunion at Linfield College today. I had
been dragging my feet for some time, on whether to commit and go – or just
realize my limitations as a mom with 3 young kids – and I mean little kids (for
my age anyway: ages 6, 3 and 1.) It was a group of close friends who finally
convinced me to go – the group from my freshman year in the dorm (a group that
will always remain very near and dear to my heart.)
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| Beautiful Linfield - love this college! |
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| Friends... roomies... |
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| The other part of the gang... |
So there were 4 of us ready to attend the festivities
together… we had reserved hotel rooms and got it all planned out. Joe and I had planned to take the kiddos to
the game today (we have season tickets) and then Joe was going to head home with
the kids. (Yes, he was being over-the-top
gracious and really wanted me to go.)
We drove 2 cars so that I could come back tomorrow morning…
It was crazy-madness for the game. Busier than we ever see it – and many of them
were from my class year. However, we had
barely got through the gates and through kick-off before Rachel was DONE with
the football scene. And I don’t blame
her – naps were off, it was loud, there were so many people, etc… She had a messy diaper and I had to make my
way to the bathroom. And at that moment,
I just had this feeling like I needed to put her first and get her home. So, we left – before I even got to visit with
my friends (and none of those I made plans to see) – before I could say
good-bye to Samuel and Luke, before I had anything to eat, before I saw a
minute of the actual football game, etc…
Anyway – the point I guess… is that I realized most of my
friends are past this “baby/toddler” phase.
So, it’s hard to keep up and do the things one is “supposed” to be doing
at a 20-year college reunion. Most people my age have much older kids, allowing them to do some getaways here & there. I always joke that our kids are going to have to be taking care of us (giving us meds, reminding us what day it is, etc...) when they are in high school!
I guess mostly,
I am sad I didn’t get to hang out with my friends. I miss those days so much… I look forward to the time I don’t feel like
planning an overnight trip is such a fiasco (the checklists, the backup plans,
getting clothes ready, etc...) Not to
mention having a child’s mood dictate your every move. When I travel for work it’s a bit different,
as we have school, daycare, a nanny (and even far away family) to support/
cover the gaps. But the luxury of a
“girl’s getaway” wasn’t something I felt was worthy of that ask. J
In summary: I do know (and completely ACCEPT)
where we are. In fact, I still feel tremendously
blessed to be here at all (having these 3 kiddos.) So while today (especially on my
way-to-emotional-trip-home with a “screaming” Rachel,) I gave myself a bit of
freedom to feel frustrated, a bit angry and regretful – but in the end, I know
it is God’s gift that He entrusted us with these little ones – and putting them
first was the right choice today.
So, here are the pictures…
I am glad Joe could stick around to enjoy the game and friends. And, after a long nap, Rachel and I did get
some much needed “girl” time together, so all ended well…
But I sure missed hanging out with my friends…
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| My Trip Home (the entire,1 hour, 20-minute trip home...) |
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| I should have been in this picture too (sigh...) |
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| Missed the Samuel and Luke getting to see the Wildcat... |
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| But... I did get to spend "post-nap time" with this fun munchkin (which did help my spirits!) |
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