I picked JD up after work today, and he was super excited. He was talking fast, telling me about how he needs to get to school early tomorrow, and honestly I was having a hard time keeping up. He just kept saying that I needed to get him to school early - he usually gets taken to school by his dad, so I was trying to figure out why he needed to be there early. I got him to slow down a minute and here's what he had to say.....
He wanted to get to school early, because they handed out the information about his 5th Grade field trip and it was limited to the first five chaperones that turned in their money. He was sure that I was going to chaperone and he was excited about getting to school early to turn in my money so my spot could be held. I asked the date - and he responds "May 7th".
Well, I was pretty certain when he said that date, I had New Employee Orientation scheduled for that day in May and I facilitate NEO. You know what though? It is my son's last Elementary field trip. I can guarantee you two things....1. That NEO happens every quarter and that 2. This field trip won't happen again. So, I did the only thing I could do...I called into work and let them know that on May 7th I will need someone to cover for me. On May 7th, I will be on a charter bus full of 5th graders, making memories with my son.
You see, at the end of the day, I am a mom and if there is any way I can be with my child - I'm going to do it. Thankfully, I've been blessed with a job in a company that values family. It is hard sometimes to be a working mom and always walk that balance between work and family...earning a living and living a life. I've known too many people who have grown kids and look at me and tell me not to make the same mistakes they did...not to put work above your child. The reality is that there are going to be times I have to go to work, when I would rather be with JD...um, like the whole summer. =) But I can rest at night knowing that I am doing all I can do to be a full-time mom and a full-time employee.
On a different note...the sweetest thing happened to me tonight. I have had the funk since this weekend. I was sitting on the couch and JD asked if I was still feeling bad and I said yes. He leaned over and put his hand on mine and then before I knew what he was doing, he said a prayer that I would feel better soon. Not going to lie - I teared up. I love that kid.
Okay, well we are wathing the Olympics, so I better end this post and pay attention. Y'all have a beautiful night.
