We made it back from a wonderful week celebrating Thanksgiving with my family in Ruidoso. We were a little worried about the car ride {our last trip was quite the hot, sweaty adventure} but thankfully, Griffin did great on the long trip. We even had a few days by ourselves before family showed up, which was a nice needed break.
{can you even handle this cuteness?!}
As much as I've looked forward to this trip, I've dreaded it all the same. For as fun as our week vacation was, it was also tainted with sadness, as it marked my last week home on maternity leave.
I was told that you would only regret not taking off enough time, and I am so thankful that we were able to swing it for me to be off the full twelve weeks. I loved every single moment of being home with Griffin and would not trade any of the days I got to spend with my sweet boy.
A child is your heart, living and breathing outside of your own body. And even though my head knows that going back to work is the right and only decision; that I will be ok and that Griffin will be ok, it still feels like my heart is being cut out of my body.
So today, go hug a working mom. Even if her kids are older and she wants to be working, she's still torn between her job and her family. Family may be most important, but they'll still feel the effects of her working. And if you know a working mom who's heart longs to be at home, hug her for a few extra seconds and just say I'm sorry, I wish it could be different. She knows that you do what you have to do. She's doing it now.
So tonight, after I pick out my clothes, get the coffee ready for in the morning, and put my work stuff by the door, I'll rock my baby just a little longer, kiss him a little more and soak up the last few moments. And if you see me on Monday, a hug would go a long way.
ugh. i still cry every time i see a friend post about having to go back to work. and i had working mom friends who cried with me their first day back. everyone says it, but it DOES get easier. and if it doesn't, then maybe it's time to reconsider your decision. but for today, please know my heart is aching with you and i will pray that the hours pass quickly until you can be reunited with that adorable child.
ReplyDeleteOh! I feel you! Today was my first day back after 12 weeks, and I just feel like it got here too fast! It wasn't as devastating as I thought it would be...we both survived. :-) they say everyday gets easier, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's true!
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Goodness, I don't even want to think about my maternity leave coming to an end! It makes my heart hurt already and I don't go back until the end of January!
ReplyDeleteof course like your web site however you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth however I will surely come back again.
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It is shocking that in the US you only get 12 weeks of maternity leave. In Canada you get full benefits of employment insurance (and most employers top you up so you make 80-100% of your full income) for the entire 12 months after your child is born. This is the case for each and every child and also applies if you adopt. Oh and you can split the time with your spouse so you both get time off with your new child. The law also requires you to have a job waiting for you on return from your year off. In France, you get 18 months I believe. Its shocking that the US is so far behind. The benefits a child reaps having their mother home with them for a year are immense. Its such an important part of their formative months and years. I'm so sorry to hear you have to go back to work so soon. Its just not right.
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