A Mom in Real Time

Last night was the first night in six months that I went out all by myself! The girls' dad, seeing how stressed out I am, volunteered to babysit while I went to a movie. The film, Dan in Real Life, was very entertaining. It features Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. Without giving away too much of the synopsis, the movie was about a widower with three daughters who goes 'home' for a holiday / family reunion and winds us falling for his brother's new girlfriend. The plot had a good dose of humor, just what the doctor ordered for my first night out!

Sitting in the almost empty theatre (there was one other woman watching the film) was joyous as I could watch the film entirely with no interruption or outside noise. I kept looking at my watch every now and then to check the time. Not because I wanted to rush home or worried about the kids, but because time seemed different to me. Being alone feels different than being Mommy on kid time. The minutes seemed to last longer. When I returned home an hour and forty-five minutes later, my children were happy, fed and seemed glad to see me. Little Sister was extremely affectionate even, not a gift I am granted by her every day. I went to bed last night feeling a little more relaxed, with the realization that every mother needs and deserves time alone. If we don't take care of ourselves, who will?