Epiphany

I, apparently, didn't post enough about my reunion as I have gotten a few more questions (see comments to last post). No, the skinny girls were still skinny and overtly successful. Yes, I was the fattest one there. Yes, I think I had a fun time despite some awkward moments. No, I don't think anyone would have really missed me if I failed to show.

But, I did have a wee bit of an epiphany. (Is a wee epiphany an oxymoron?)

As I talked with people and heard their life stories, I realized that everything is a trade-off (and yes, you can remind me of this post when I start whining about my existential blues). True, I don't have a highly successful career as a physician (as I was sure I would when I was in high school). True, I'm just a SAHM (and yes, Oprah, I say just). But I started thinking about what I have traded my life for. I am able to be home with my children and give them my time and energy. Robert and I aren't running in opposite directions or trying to squeeze a million things in one day. I'm not saying that if a mom works outside the home that her children are doomed, but I do know how hard it is to run a smooth, happy household when both parents are working; shoot, I know how hard it is to run a smooth, happy household when only one parent works outside the home.

So, here's the thing: Robert and I have chosen to have a family and to raise them with me at home with them. Time will change and things will adjust but for now this is our focus and how we have chosen to parent. We have both sacrificed quite a bit to enable our household to continue as is. I believe that there will be rewards from our sacrifices and I believe that I still have a great deal more time to chase my dreams and to make it to Europe. Maybe even be a physician. But at the end of the day, I have great kids who know they are loved. And that is success.

I'll save the world in another year or two. Or fourteen.