Sunday, July 26, 2009

Working Mom

Recently I had the opportunity to travel for work. It was a great experience, I learned a lot- still processing all the information I learned. I 'hung' out with some coworkers that I don't normally get a chance to hang out with which is also nice.

Sunshine split her time between her Grandmother (my Mom) and her Dad, so my preparation for leaving involved packing for me, Sunshine and the dog who also stayed with my Mom.

Wednesday night I got a call from Sunshine and she was very upset, thing is I had already talked to her that night AND I missed her call back. When I did get the message she was already asleep. I felt so helpless, there was nothing I could do. Knowing I had talked to her only a few hours earlier and that she was sad and tired, I didn't want to wake her up, but it broke my heart.

I asked Sunshine's Dad to have her call me in the morning before she went to camp., thing is we were on a 3 hour time difference so I had to factor that in. and so it was a very early morning phone call for me.

From a professional standpoint the trip was worth EVERY minute of the time away... that just isn't something I can explain to my little one, that in the end the times I travel are good for us in that it gives me more knowledge and skills to continue to advance my career which in turn keeps a roof over our heads, food on the table and buys her the things she wants and needs. I don't know that an elementary school student needs to understand the concept fully... I just hope at some point she realizes that the trips I take for work are important and necessary and part of how our family works and that I survive anymore of those helpless moments that may come during my travels.

1 comment:

Barking Mad! said...

I can empathize. It's a tough spot to be in especially when the mommy-guilt sets in.

I recently went to a small BlogFest and was gone for 6 days. It was the first time I had ever been away from my 3 year old for longer than an entire day. It was hard. But I think it was also good because she spent some quality time with her daddy who took some time off, and theyh piddled around the house and went on a couple of adventures.

Glad your trip was rewarding on both fronts.

Audrey at Barking Mad!