Save the Drama for Your Mama????

I was in Atlanta this week for work. I missed out on time with my kids. Since our meetings went from 7 am to 9 pm, I was really only allowed really short, quick conversations while on the bus on the way to dinner. These trips are always tough, in that regard. But, I look forward to coming home. I look forward to seeing their bright shiny faces and hearing their stories of school and such when I return. Only sometimes, upon seeing me, instead of spending time hugging, loving, and chatting, there is only whining, complaining and complete melt down. I know that this is because they've missed me and they need me, but sometimes, after a full day of travel, it's nearly too much to take.

Last night was no exception. Bug was riding in the back seat complaining about there being no room for her. She was cramped, her legs couldn't move, she was growing longer but the backseat wasn't. In a less tired state, I would have had a lot of fun with that belly aching (nothing like poking a little fun at misplaced drama), but all I could say was, "We'll be home soon, baby...hang tight" Which just prompted more whining. "We're almost there, bug, only 60 blocks to go" *And the melt down ensued.* Followed shortly by, "I have a headache". Remarkably, she fell asleep before we passed the 60 blocks to home.

Bear on the other hand was surly. I had a warning to this, as his dad called and mentioned that he should go to bed early. He'd been very crabby that morning and his father took his favorite book and his DS until he returned to his house (5 WHOLE DAYS!!!!) Believe me, WOE was him. He sat in the back, 10 years old, trying not to cry, but his world felt SHATTERED. I felt bad for him. I talked to him about being penitent. Once in trouble, it's important to just swallow your pride and apologize. He sat in sad silence the whole trip. *And the melt down ensued.* Out of the blue, the tears flowed fast and furious. "Why?", you might be asking. "Because Dad washed my ball cap and he's probably going to wash it 100 more times before I get home." Uh right, because your dad has nothing better to do than rewash YOUR nasty, disgusting hat. Instead, I just said, "I don't think you need to worry about that."

Where were my sweet children, the ones who ran to me and hugged me when I'd been away? The ones who talked fast and furiously about all the things I'd missed when I'd been gone. Why was I being presented with ALL this DRAMA, upon my return? And I realized that maybe...it's because they DID miss me. They missed having someone hear them, they missed knowing that someone was worried about them...they missed having someone say, "I know it's seems bad now, but believe me it's going to be okay." That's what moms do. It used to be that I was the one that picked them up when they fussed, and held them near when they fell and scraped their knee. Now, their injuries are different. Now Mom's the one that holds their confidences (unless of course they're blogworthy...KIDDING, I think) and puts the band-aids on their emotional wounds. And although I miss being able to cuddle them close and make it all better, I'm happy to listen...even when I'm WAY too tired.