Sunday, May 12, 2013

To My Dear Friends

To my dear friends,

Please know that I miss you dearly and think of you often. I know some time has passed since we last spoke but I promise it's not what I planned. You see, this whole mothering thing has been a lot more work then I imagined. 

When I'm not at my paying job, I spend my time changing diapers, wiping little hands and faces,  making meals with little hands reaching up for me, kissing little faces and hurt little knees, doing laundry, planning meals, reading stories, taking pictures, giving baths, working through tantrums, getting groceries, and cleaning rooms that should have been cleaned weeks ago.

Then at night, after the kids are both asleep and tomorrow's lunch is made, dishes are done, and we have run around picking up kids toys from all over the house (inside and out), I look up at the clock and realize I have exactly 10 minutes until the laundry will be ready to be folded and it will be time for bed. I know I should call you then, I really do. And I want to. By then though, my body and mind are just so tired that I need that 10 minutes. The truth is, those 10 minutes are usually spent going through all the 'to do' lists in my head and planning for tomorrow. Without that time, I'm afraid my world would come tumbling down all around me. 

Although it seems like a long time now, I really only have such a short time to make an impact on these beautiful kids that I brought in to this world. To help them feel loved and connected. To teach them right from wrong. To give them the confidence to be independent and strength to ask for help. They need to be with us for us to show them by example how to treat others with kindness and respect and to do the same for themselves. 

Just know, I really do think of you often. Of our nights of dancing, laughing, and talking for hours. Of out playdates when the kids were young enough to just lay on the floor and coo up at us. Of road trips and trips to beaches in far away lands. I'm confident that we will have those times again soon (minus the babies on the floor - no more for me anyway!) Please just be patient with me as I do the most important job of my life. And if you are thinking of me too, please know that you can call. If you ever need me, I will drop everything to be there for you.  I may not be able to go out for a night on the town but a movie, coffee, or dinner out with you may be just what we both need! 

Sincerely,

A friend that's missing you.