That's the downside of working. I miss my kids. I miss my friends. I miss the opportunities that I have to encounter my pals at storytime or the mall or the Children's garden. But mainly, I miss being at these places with my kids in the first place. There's always Saturday, which we try to make count as much as possible, but it's not every day anymore. Sometimes at 10:30 on a Wednesday morning I think that Carrie the librarian is just getting around to singing Slippery Fish... and Jane and I are missing it.
I miss doing the little things for my kids. Like reading before naptime or making lunch or walking home with Emily at the end of the day. Those little things seem to be the hardest to come to terms with.
The job itself? It's going well. I'm figuring things out and I'm realizing that everything seems to be coming back - kind of like riding the proverbial bike. It's good to feel smart again. It's good to be recognized for what I know. It's good to feel like I can provide for my family should the need arise.
It's also good to know my kids are in good hands. Kerry and her family and staff have been great with my kids and I have never once worried if they were happy or safe during the day. We are blessed to have such great child care.
I am also very fortunate to be able to work in the same building as my husband. We work in different programs but he is just down the hall from me. That means we get to eat lunch together every day in addition to taking two breaks together. It has been great for us to be able to see each other during the day and has brought us closer. Most couples get less time together when a wife goes back to work. We are lucky to have more time together.
I know going back was the right decision at the right time. I know I was blessed to be able to find a job in such difficult economic times. I know my kids will be fine. But for now I'm still struggling. Everyone tells me I will get used to it. That it will become normal. That I will find a rhythm. I believe that will happen. However, when someone asks me how my job is going, the answer will probably always be, "The job is going well, but I miss my kids".
Who wouldn't miss these guys?
