In hardship and in good times there are lessons. Lessons, that help us to grow, understand and witness our true selves. In my life, I am surrounded by many good people. Some masquerade as neighbours, some as employees, some as restaurant customers; but all are friends. I would find it challenging to get through the trying times if I didn't have these people in my life.
Yesterday I learnt a lesson. My own children still need me. Now believe me, this isn't headline news...nor had I ever lost sight of this... I was simply reminded. My youngest appealed to the school secretary that he wasn't feeling well and needed to go home. I was summoned and appeared promptly to gather him up. (Thank goodness for the employee who said she could cover my shift and urged me to leave work.) Behind the "stomach ache" or the bump on the playground ( he couldn't remember which he was concerned of) was simply a desire to be with his mom.
In kindergarten he went to school every second day. As a team, restaurant staff, neighbours, grandparents and friends all helped me juggle work and CJ's off time so we didn't have to put him in day care (and pay for full time and only use half time). We had adventures. There were days when he had to tag along to work with me. There were challenging days but somehow we made it work.
Yesterday his actions told me that he missed our exclusive time together. He wanted his brother and dad to be at school/work and us to just hang out. Truth is I miss it too. But I'm not going to pull him out of school to cuddle. That being noted, it did make me realize how much time I'm dedicated to the restaurant right now. 80+ hours a week and at times it's overwhelming. I'm missing him and I know I'm missing out. Somehow I'll make it up to them this winter when things slow down. Or is that what a classic work-a-holic says? Did I really learn a lesson? How can I make changes in the future? Ultimately, do the kids respect me for working so hard or are we going down a path where we have to pull the team together to make changes?
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