A few months ago, when Mel suggested a getaway for her 30th birthday, I agreed - not really thinking it would happen. I have been so entrenched in family life for the past 8 years that the thought of going somewhere without all of them for days at a time, well, it seemed near impossible. Not only because of all the arranging necessary to wiggle free of responsibilities, but also because I wasn't sure I was "that mom." The one who could take time for herself once in a blue moon.
Still, all the plans began to fall into place, and I found myself looking forward to it - a cabin with the two littlest babies and the friends I've had since childhood. Celebrating my best friend's 30th, 18 years of friendship, by taking some time to really be together.
We pulled up to a little cabin in the woods and were shocked when we stepped out onto the deck and realized we were right smack on the coastline of Lake Michigan. Although there was no way we would be swimming (the water was freezing!), it was a beautiful way to spend the weekend.
And so, for 3 days, 2 nights, we talked nonstop. We drank too much coffee and ate birthday cake for breakfast. We went into town to check out an antique store and watched a grown up movie in the middle of the day with no interruptions. We ate a lot of great food. We played games and laughed for hours. We knitted, crotcheted, sewed. We walked the beach. We stayed in pajamas for as long as we wanted to.
And, while all of this was going on, I found myself realizing how big that life I had left behind had become. How hard I work during the every day. How much I have on my plate. How nonstop it all is. I think sometimes I tend to sell myself short, thinking that I don't have all that much going on. But this life, all that it is, is all encompassing. It took a weekend away for me to realize the weight of it all.
8 years of throwing myself completely into family life, motherhood and marriage without a moment to stop for a breath. And I realized how very, bone deep tired I am.
And for the first time in 8 years, I really rested.
How wonderful for you! And good for you for doing it! I used to have "girls weekends" a few times a year with my sister and some friends. But not since home and children arrived. Yet, I realize how important it is for moms to have some time to refresh and recharge.
ReplyDeleteI recently had a whole day with my mom in small town nearby where we shopped, explored antiques and lingered over lunch....it was wondeful! And so true...you don't realize how busy the day to day grind is: until you step away from it.
It's nice to get a change to miss them all, isn't it?
It was so wonderful to spend a weekend away with you girls. And I'm so glad that you had a chance to relax.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. It sounds like it was the most (literally) Heavenly weekend imaginable. Mamas to many do have a whole lot on their plates, I agree. I am not sure what the regular answer is to the need for rest. I always feel so strange (and oddly antsy) when I go anywhere alone/with just dh. It makes me really tense feeling like I should be keeping my eyes on someone. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful weekend! I must admit that I'm a little jealous.
ReplyDeleteThat cabin looks like it was beautiful. I want to move there, actually. So glad you got a chance to do this, Lydia.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS! Perfect setting, wonderful friends, antique stores, sewing, knitting, tiny babies, rest, quiet... oh my gosh Lydia I'm so happy for you. What an amazing weekend.
ReplyDeleteAnna - if we attempt it again, can we count on you showing up?! :-)
ReplyDelete