Ukraine Adoption

Second shift and dolphins

Working moms are never really off, are they? When I get home, I start my next shift with a thud: usually a child or two running into me on purpose or hugging me real tight. There's dinner, homework, baths, bedtime rituals, lunches for the next day. And then there's the night of the almost forgotten homework project, the quick trip to the store at 10 p.m. to buy folders, milk and juice, and the late-night jaunt to the basement to switch the gym clothes from the washer to the dryer. Sometimes, at 11 p.m., I look down and realize I'm still in my work clothes. Nothing makes me crabbier than staying in my work clothes all evening. Ugh! But this isn't about me, it's about Tara, who is nearly four years old and I want to say has truly mastered the art of sharing (except with her brother). My mom's kitty passed away and we are all very sad about this. Tara heard the news and thought for a few moments and said: "I can share MY kitty with Grandma." I tucked her in to bed tonight after not giving her enough attention because Austin had some crucial homework that he needed help with. And I knew that I was going to sneak out as soon as she dozed off to go to the store for some much-needed basics like bread and milk. She patiently waited in her bed for me, looking at books about ladybugs and rainbows. I finally slipped in to tuck her in and turn off the light. I plopped down at the end of the bed, in the dark. It's one of my favorite moments of the day. I just stay for a few minutes sometimes, quietly. I think I am comforting her but maybe I do it more for me than for Tara. She clutched her two precious stuffed dolphins and snuggled into her pillow as I closed my eyes for a few moments. Then I heard this sweet little voice: "Mommy, do you want one of my dolphins? I can share." Posted by Laura at January 9, 2007 11:47 PM
Posted to Tara's Story