traditional thought with a contemporary twist
joanofarc
Published on March 19, 2004 By Joan of Arc In Home & Family
A Liberating Realization

When I got the mail today there was a letter of acceptance to kindergarten for my youngest child, Tori. It was then that I had a most wonderful and liberating realization. In just a few months a I will be at home all day long with no children for the first time in 20 years!

I think part of the reason it is so significant to me is because as a teenager and young adult I squandered my freedom on a veraciously pursued addiction to drugs and, having been rescued from the pit, (by my Higher Power whom I choose to call God) since I was pregnant, had my first child–that was 20 years ago.

I married a couple years later and had another child. While raising the 2 older children I taught them at home. Then in 1995, my husband and I adopted 3 more children (girls 4,2,4months) and 4 years later we got their (then) 10 month old biological sister.

The ramifications of this reality are infinite. Uninterupted bathroom and shower time--rare luxeries to say the least, reading a whole paragraph without needing to restart at least twice--I may actually finish a whole book without needing to lock myself in the closet! A whole telephone conversation with no "phone magnet" incidents. And the house--there will be no-one home to leave foot, finger and other various prints and I predict a serious lack lf clutter, regular excersise--alone--maybe even a hobby
halelujah!

Unbelievable--I am 43 years old and though I love all my children dearly, and may even miss Tori (who will be going to kindergarten) a little, I can hardly wait!

Comments
on Mar 19, 2004
I can completely relate to what you're feeling!

I remember well the first day my eldest went to kindergarden and the younger 2 went to pre-school......oh, the peace! I love them dearly, but I relished the time I had to myself. I took baths, read, went shopping ALONE....could talk on the phone without any interruptions.....it was fantastic.

Although they're older now (11 1/2, 9 1/2 and almost 8) I still look forward to Mondays - my day off, to do whatever I please as long as it isn't housework. I call Mondays my "Sanity - Saver" day.


on Mar 19, 2004
I hear ya! My little guy will start preschool in the Fall. It will only be from 11:30-2:30 three days a week but that will give me time to make appointments, gift shop for them without them (currently a huge challenge), exercise, who knows, maybe even get a pedicure (I've had 2 in my 33 yrs of life). I have had the constant company of a little guy for 7.5 yrs now. It will be quite an adjustment but one I tend to look forward to. Then again, I will probably lose my mind and have a 3rd child. Haven't done anything permanent yet so can't rule that out as a possibility.

Dharma, some weeks I would be happy for a "Sanity-Saver" half hour
on Mar 19, 2004
Jill, if we lived closer I'd take him off your hands and give you a "Sanity-Saver" day once a week. I'm a firm believer in sharing the wealth..!
on Mar 19, 2004
hmmm -
sanity -saver
--20 years--
gives you some idea of what condition I am in!

j-o-a
on Mar 20, 2004
seems like the only time I see you anymore is on Joeuser. I wonder if this has a diagnosis?

tractorman
on Mar 21, 2004
of course

LIFE!
on Mar 21, 2004
hmm... Mom, what do you think of me homeschooling next year?



~Dan