The other day I was on my way home from dropping J off at school, and I hit a huge pile of traffic a couple miles from home. With all the snow we got earlier in the month, lanes disappear without warning, roads are closed off so that dump trucks can haul away snow, etc. It does no good to get upset about it- it’s no one’s fault, and there’s nothing that we can do about it anyway. But try telling that to Washingtonian drivers. Sheesh. They’re all there honking, making rude gestures, scowling, screaming into their cell phones about the traffic.
I’m not above all that – I admit. But having no place to be, for the most part, these days has definitely given me some ability to just roll with it. I may not be totally comfortable sitting in the car for that long, but I get far less agitated about it. Still, it seemed like I was the only one around who wasn’t really angry at that moment. Until, that is, I noticed the driver on my left side. She was bopping along to whatever music she was listening to, clapping her hands, smiling wide, and belting out the lyrics with wild abandon. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone enjoying life with such wild abandon – and it’s really a breath of fresh air to see that.
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Yesterday, I had about an hour between when my nanny left for the day and when Seth and J got home during which I was on my own with the triplets. I don’t get a lot of time with them these days – I can’t really handle being alone with them for long, and as I just don’t have a lot of energy, and being too active aggravates both my hyperemesis and my tendency to have contractions.
So I sat them down with some snacks and crayons/paper. They had a good time, but eventually, I needed to stop sitting up, so I moved to the recliner, and the triplets kept bringing me books to read to them. They curled up in my lap and smiled and giggled and just enjoyed being kids and having Mommy all to themselves. It was lovely.
I realized that it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to just enjoy my children. It was nice to be reminded that this is what it’s all about. This is why I am willing to go through this hell that is pregnancy. Because I enjoy my children. Because I wanted all these children and this beautiful family. This is all worth it in the end
I think it’s important not to lose sight of the reason for all of this. I love my husband. I love the family we’ve created together. I love that our adventure in parenting is moving on to a new stage. I love my children. My life, while not without complications, is pretty darned wonderful.
ChezPerky 
I was really glad to see the last post…..have felt at a distance how challenging (at best!) life is for you and your determination to do what you need to do .I’m glad you had that glimpse afresh of the joy that your children give you.
I think your family are fortunate to have you as their mother and Seth with you as his partner.
I would like to add that had I not been the wrong side of the Atlantic I would have been there with the dinners !!
I’m so glad that you were able to have an enjoyable time with the children. Sometimes we overlook the positives in our life because we are in such a hurry to get on to the next “thing.”
Occasionally we all need to step back and smell the roses, and you’ve done it very eloquently.
As far as your letter is concerned, I certainly hope that you get a response that indicates that the parties involved have been reprimanded or at least have something put in their file. They were truly unprofessional and uncaring…not the kind of person I would like taking care of me in those situations.
Oh this is a lovely post and indeed, this is why we do it.
Traffic is sure fun but I hear you on not complaining. I am so amazed at how people sound off to those who are just doing their dern jobs. GEEZ…good for you for taking a breath and not getting angry!
You are able to handle this all with such grace. You get more shit thrown your way and you still are able to keep your perspective.