What Happens with the Life of And Doesn't Come Together

When I was growing up, my mom had a plate of cookies, snacks, or banana bread (IYKYK) at the ready - whether I was coming home from school, practice, or a friend’s house.
So, my thing is making sure my kids never come home to an empty house.
It sounds small, but to me, it matters.
And, 99 times out of 100 we get it done. Myself, JR, a neighbor, a grandparent, or our Nanny. Someone is there to welcome our kids home.
Except for this week.
My teenager came home from camp to a completely empty house. AND I FELT TERRIBLE. But this time it was unavoidable.
So, I worked to make it feel like it would have felt if I had been home. I set the oven to be preheated when she walked in. Made her favorite meal (lasagna) and put it in the fridge - with instructions on how to bake - and a big “I LOVE AND MISS YOU” note written on the top. Was it the same as me being home to greet her? Nope.
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Did she feel loved when she walked in? Yep.
Did I feel guilty for being gone? No. I actually didn’t. I chose to be away. She felt loved and understood why this commitment was important to keep.
A #LifeofAnd isn’t perfect. But I’d choose it every time.
Sometimes it doesn’t always work out. Sometimes you can’t be there. But if you can’t be there, find creative ways to make your kiddos feel special, seen, and loved.
#MomTip #WorkingMom