Earlier this year I was offered the chance of a lifetime. Eim Chai chose me for a nine-day trip to Israel. Yes, me! All I had to pay for was spending money, some meals, and my plane ticket. DONE!
As the trip approached, I got nervous. My kids are young (2 and 4), and though I have left them for a weekend, I felt like maybe I shouldn’t flee the country. What if they needed me? What if something went wrong? What if I missed them more than I could handle? Thankfully, my husband, friends, and family helped me see that taking this trip was the right choice, and they made sure everything was taken care of while I was gone.
So off I went, with 19 women I hardly knew. It was awesome. Beyond awesome. I honestly had the time of my life. I explored a land I love, bonded with an incredible group of women, grew emotionally, got in touch with my spiritual side, ate, drank, sweat, cried, danced, and had a blast. Except for the sheer exhaustion of being on the go nonstop, I truly enjoyed every single second of my journey.
As for things at home? Well, there was nothing to worry about. I didn’t leave a whole lot of instructions (other than a reminder to my husband to wash the towels and change the sheets). I didn’t prepare food or leave detailed reminders of things to be done. I didn’t try to micromanage. I simply let things happen as they would. I trusted that my “support team” would take good care of my kids. I trusted that my kids would be OK for a few days without me.
My son, Aaron, spent his days at camp and barely missed me. He even got to go to extended day and play with his cousins. My mom came up and spent time with Olivia exploring Boston. The kids had play dates and daddy date nights, and they indulged their sweet tooth a little more than I would have liked. My husband worked hard, took the kids out for dinner a few too many times, and even managed to go out with the guys one night while I was gone. They missed me, of course, but life went on.
Would I leave again with my kids being so young? Absolutely!
Honestly, I believe they were too young to truly miss me. Their needs are very easily met by other people. Sure, they need me, but they were perfectly OK without me. And I need them, too, but nine days to learn about myself, make new friends, and explore made it worth it.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them, and I didn’t let go for awhile. Then life went back to normal. I was left with some amazing memories, my kids were left with more toys and books than they had before (thanks to both grandmas!), and my husband was left with a better understanding of just how hard this mom gig is. And I think the time away was good for our relationship.
The morale of the story?
Say yes. Grab life by the horns. Don’t be afraid to do, or be, or go because of how it will affect other people. Don’t be reckless, but get out, explore, and live a little!
