With the holidays approaching, my kids are returning home, eager for cozy beds, homemade meals, and playtime with our loyal dog, Max. This has sparked a thought: maybe it’s time for me to take a little getaway.
I adore my two sons more than anything. However, during their time away, while they’ve been navigating their own whirlwind of changes, I’ve been undergoing my own transformations—changes they’re blissfully unaware of. Why would they be? They’re busy growing up, learning, and making new friends. To them, I’m simply Mom, the constant presence in their lives.
But what if, while they’ve been off doing their thing, I took the opportunity to rediscover the hobbies I loved before life got busy? What if I explored new career avenues or simply enjoyed a lighter load? Would that make me a bad mom?
The atmosphere at home has shifted. I’ve started buying smaller containers of laundry detergent, running the dishwasher just twice a week, and preparing meals that last. Breakfast has become a leisurely affair—sometimes consisting only of a giant cookie and a cup of tea.
What’s more telling are my closets and drawers, which have seen a significant transformation. The items that once collected dust and went unnoticed have suddenly become glaringly obvious. I sorted through old school projects, study materials, and outdated PTA cards, tossing them aside. Even my sock drawer saw a purge; those lonely mismatched socks finally made their way to the trash instead of just being relegated to the “duster” pile.
And that chaotic kitchen drawer filled with random odds and ends? Gone. Now I’m pondering how many dishes two people truly need. The exercise bike that had been gathering dust has found a new home with a family of boys, freeing up some much-needed space. My camera, once a cherished outlet for creativity, is back in action after being used mainly for documentation lately.
As for schedules? I’m blissfully unaware of homework deadlines or project due dates. Gone are the frantic late-night runs for poster boards or glue sticks. My to-do list has shrunk from a spiral notebook to a mere sticky note.
I still get emails about volunteer opportunities from my kids’ former schools, though I’m not quite ready to sever that connection yet—it feels too fresh, this new reality of them not living here full-time.
Just last night, while watching a movie about a French chef, I had a sudden realization: I’ve completely forgotten to visit France. Or Canada. Or Wyoming. Honestly, I’ve neglected to explore so many places!
Now, as my kids prepare to come home, I find myself missing them—along with the way they call out my name. Yet, I’ve also missed the version of myself that I lost along the way. It took their absence for me to notice how much I longed for that connection to my past.
Last week, I dusted off that spiral notebook and began crafting family-sized to-do lists once more. So, what if I’ve changed as a mother? I’ll still be the same loving mom, but perhaps I’ll bring something new to the table. My sons will surely be different young men—will we connect in the same way, or will we shift into new roles? Only time will tell.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the author’s transformative journey as a mother while her kids are away. It explores the rediscovery of personal interests and the changes in household dynamics, highlighting a newfound sense of freedom and self-awareness. As her children prepare to return, she contemplates how these changes will affect their relationship and the roles they play in each other’s lives.