Yesterday was another very long day of a very long week, and not just because of the hours. As I left the office in the dark of night through a very empty garage, I had every intention of going home, drawing a very hot and bubbly bath, opening a bottle of wine and tuning out the world care of my music. I was worn out by the events of the day, those in my control and not; the fact that I missed another workout; the long list of things still left to do; it goes on and on - I was just worn out.
I never made it to the tub and I am very glad.
As I was heading to the car, the family called (minus the kiddo who was at a basketball tourney doing what he does) and said they were heading to Whataburger if I hadn't eaten. I knew they were closer than I was so I said I would just grab something on the way home and started on my way. I had no desire for Whataburger nor the desire to make them wait. Then I got a text. The tall one had decided that he wanted Chinese so they were heading to the buffet in town. They didn't have to tell me that, but they did, so I decided I would go meet them and at least sit with them if they weren't done.
I walked in 25 minutes later as they were finishing up to smiles. They told me to grab food, they could wait while I ate. The tall one and I talked about what exciting things had happened that day at school. The man told us about his week (he travels most weeks so Thursday night we catch up). I told them about my day. We laughed, ate, laughed some more and joked around, we even had a discussion about the Periodic Table. Random. Anyway, once that all ended, we went home. The tall one did homework, us parents took a moment, after laundry, to watch some TV before the man went and picked up kiddo from school. The I got to see what exciting things happened in his day and watch him go off to do homework.
I thought I wanted my bubbles, wine and music. I thought I drove to the buffet because I didn't want to go into an empty house. I thought I just needed to let the day wash over me and maybe have a good hard cry (something I don't like as I have this thing about me crying being a weakness - silly, I know) to the sound of Christina Perri. I thought wrong.
Turns out, I needed the routine of my family. The nightly discussion of what exciting things happened during the day (instead of asking about the day, I ask What Exciting Things Happened at school? and it has worked this year, every time), the knowledge that the man is back within hugging distance. The homework that will only last an hour and yet always drags to 2 or 3. The rush of this kid being here and that kid being there. The dogs begging, the laundry going, the everyday family of it all.
Next time you think you want to escape from your rough day and hide, find your family (friends are family too) at a diner and see what a difference it makes.
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The everyday family of it all |