Tuesday, January 22, 2008
oh, my heart
i was running late to work today because my daughter is sick again and staying home from school. as i left, she gave me a hug with tears in her pitiful eyes. i called home to check on her from the road to hear she was still crying for me.
the dilemma. i made a commitment to my school when i took this job and they rely on me. i don't want to let them down.
but months ago, while shopping at costco, i told my daughter that i would be working this year. always ten steps ahead of the game, she said, "mom, what if i get sick?" i said, "i only work two days a week." she said, "well, what if i get sick on one of those days?" i stopped pushing my cart. i knelt down and looked her square in the eye and i said, "you will always come first."
so, today, i turned my car around. i didn't want to do it. but she needed me and i promised her. i talked to my principal and i apologized. ugh. you can't win.
i know there are working mothers everywhere with hearts being tugged in all different directions. i just want to say, "hey, i felt your pain today."
bless you.
23 Comments:
Would you like my opinion? You made the RIGHT choice!
Hope she feels better soon,
M.
Oh, I've been there. It's so hard. Bless your heart. Bless her heart. You did what you had to do.
Hello Bethy. I have been reading your blog for sometime now and really enjoy it. In fact, it is probably one of the things that inspired me to finally join this world of bloggers!! I am extremely new, but having fun!
As for you turning the car around - good for you. They grow up so fast! Plus, there may be a time when you will not be able to turn the car around - but she will remember that you did, and she will trust that you will again when possible. She knows that you put her first. I think that is so important.
:-( That is hard.
We are having similiar days as my son is home sick with a cold! This is my greatest reason that I seem to never keep my jobs, because I am always needed at home and choose to give up things so that I can be. ugh. I guess the best solution would be to have a schedule where you work at home but can put work aside when being a mommy is more important. Don't feel bad... that's why they have subs!!!
You made the right choice. I'm a substitute teacher and 90% of my jobs are when teacher's kiddos are sick. We've got your back!
Bless you, Bethy. I'm sure she will never forget what you did today! :)
Your daughter will likely remember this day for the rest of her life. Your boss will probably forget it by next week.
What a sweet mama you are. And know, that if you had made the other decision, your daughter would have wrapped you in forgiving love. When children's lives are filled with love and joy, they are more than capable of weathering a bad moment or two.
Oh I so feel for you . I stay at home and care for other's children here , so that I can be here for my girls, but I want to work out of the home soon, which will mean getting babysitters in , they have already showed concern about it.
I think you are a great mom, so many times it is hard to keep your word all the time.
Don't you know, never call back.....kidding!
You did the right thing....and boy do I know that sick I just let someone down feeling.
it doesn't change, no matter how old they get. i didn't work until my two oldest were teenagers. even then my son needed me when he was sick and he'd always say how much he missed me being there when he got home to ask about his day. it hurts. you did the right thing. she'll not forget it. bless you too.
You made the right decision! I know it is hard to let down people that are counting on you but we have to put our babies first! Good job! I hope she feels better soon!
Good for you!
I know it's hard but she will always remember her mom being there for her. Little sick kiddos always want their mama.
Things happen, and work will understand, I'm sure.
I hope she's feeling better!
You can't please everyone...but you can make the right choice, and you did. Poor little girl, I hope she is feeling better soon.
oh goodness, it is so hard when you feel torn between all your roles & trying to please everyone all the time.
may your sweet little girl feel better soon. i'm sure her little heart just burst when you walked back in the door--precious her, precious you.
enjoy the day snuggling wtih her & know you did the right thing.xo
You are such a good mom, she'll always remember this.
You made the right decision.
God bless.
I love reading your blog for so many reasons and that post was so sweet...you are truly a great mom! I can only imagine that she will never forget your devotion to her:)
You made the right decision. What a lesson of love you showed your daughter for when she's a mother. Also, who knows how badly that could have hurt her heart?
You did good bethy.
ahhh...I sub and I have been a teacher..not when I had kids so I can't walk in those shoes..but that's why you get Sick days...use them up, that's what they are their for..I'm sure your principal understand. I subbed today and Tuesday for a lady, her Daughter couldn't breathe...(maybe asthma) she had to take her to the Hospital today. Our kids should come first..I think you do the right thing.
I teach...I had a student absent last week. When he returned, I asked him about his sickness..and how he felt now. He told me he was better, but also let me know his mom had stayed home from work because 'she wants to be with me when I'm sick'...
You absolutely did the right thing. Schools SHOULD be in the business of nurturing kids - and who better to do that than their mom! (or dad!)
You are an awesome Mom! As the Mother of two grown sons I will tell you that when I was a single Mom I made the same choice you made and it makes all the difference in the world. My Mom couldn't make that choice, but she sure supported me in always putting the boys first. They tell me that no matter what they always knew they were loved more than anything else in the world. Your priorities sure are in order. Hope you have a great day! Glad your little girl is feeling better.
what a sweet post.
Sarah
http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/
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