The Delicate Balance

Here's the thing: on most days, I like my part-time work schedule. I like the balance between the adult business world and the wonders of the child world. But the balance between the two is a constant struggle and sometimes, it makes me feel as if I have so many balls bouncing in the air that I am bound to wind up with one or two conking me on the head when they fall down.

One of the most difficult parts of my schedule is to accept that on the days I work, I will hardly see my children. We arise from slumber and rush about in a chaotic frenzy to get all of us dressed and out of the house. And when we return, my children are tired, hungry and oh, so very grumpy. They want to eat, they want to veg and they simply want to sleep. We are home by 6 p.m. Griffin is in bed by 7 p.m. Aidan and Brennan follow by 7:30.

Each and every week, I end my Tuesday, my first day of my work week, with a sad and heavy heart because I miss my children. I try to stay grateful that I miss them. I try to remind myself that I only work three days a week. And I try to remember that I like to work. I try. Sometimes it works and others, well, I just feel like all the balls I have balanced up in the air have already crashed down around me.