24:07:14 This day is a gift.
A colleague was returning to work today after her maternity leave. I baked some wholemeal chocolate star cakes to bring in and put on her desk. I remember how hard I found it returning to the busy pace of a hospital after time at home with Sian. I felt constantly pulled, wondering how she was and wishing I could win the lottery and stay home with her.
Over the following year I became pregnant with Rhiannon and the cost of two places in childcare v's my nurses salary meant that I gave up work. The next few years I really appreciated being home with the girls and then Gareth too.
I take my hat off to the many working mums I know. Although I am back working now it is not quite so hard knowing that they are at school while I am in the hospital. I really hope that my colleague settles back into a routine and that the coming weeks get a bit easier on her.
It's a bit of a cliche saying that those years when the kids are small go so quickly, but they do and before long they are almost forgotten, until you see a young mum starting her own juggling act and memories rush back.
"You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they'll be a little older than they were today. This day is a gift. Just breathe, notice, study their faces and little feet. Pay attention. Relish the charms of the present"
Such a beautiful post!! Your co-worker is must've been so appreciative of your gift. One of my favorite sayings is "The days are long but the years are short." This is especially true of the child-rearing years I think. My baby girl starts kindergarten a year from September. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. The same with my 12, almost 18 and 21 year old sons. Like it was yesterday!! I hope you're having a lovely weekend!! xo
~ Wendy
You're a lovely colleague xx