When the morning commuters back out of their drive-ways in my neighbourhood, I can’t help but feel left behind. And when my son comes home from school at the end of a day filled with joyous grade two excitement, I feel a pang. “That was mummy’s grade,” I remind him regretfully.
After years of schooling to prepare for a decade in a career I loved, I’m now a stay-at-home-mom. You’d think I’d be used to this role by now. I’m not. Well, not really.
But then, there are days like today. When I can call up my newly retired dad and say, “Hey, whatcha doing? Wanna come over?”
We’re two free agents with the entire day ahead of us. Today was a picture perfect day for a walk in the woods with two of my favourite people (and one happy canine).
In the midst of our hike, I took a moment, closed my eyes and turned my face to the sun. It was so quiet. (All the loud people had driven off to work hours before!). The only sound was the leaves rustling in the trees. And farther along the trail, I quite literally stopped to smell the roses (aka the fall leaves which have a spectacular and memory invoking scent).
Today I didn’t feel left behind. I felt thankful for the freedom and new opportunities my life has to offer.
Besides, let’s not candy coat it, commuting sucks.
Comments
One response to “Trail Traffic”
I remember how much I used to hate commuting to work: two trains and a bus or a long walk. Especially when it was dark in the morning. I know what you mean about feeling left behind, but mostly I'm okay with it.