The Working Mother Experience

We have plans and we have what happens.  The two rarely, if ever, line up.  Those who know me are all to aware that I have plans and contingency plans for almost everything.  Until last week, I would have told you I am happiest when a plan comes together.  The universe intended to teach me a lesson and it worked!  Life threw me a few small curve-balls – for example : no hot water on a Monday morning before work, small GAS leak in the basement, redo needed on paperwork for a financial transaction etc.  Then what every working mother dreads a problem with the child care provider!

Opening up my son’s lunchbox to prepare it for the next day, my husband found a succinct note from our son’s beloved pre-school teacher explaining that due to the economy the school’s doors were closing for good.  We have a short window to find new care.  “FIND NEW CARE?”  My planning centric brain wanted to explode.  Don’t these people know it is Q4, the craziest time of year for my job? Also, my husband’s busiest travel season?  I was infuriated that it was late in evening and could not call any new centers or start “planning” my attack on this problem.  Then I realized that yes this is an inconvenience for me and my family.  It might even be complex for a bit until we find a new system, but what about THEM?  The people who put their heart and soul into the school?  The teachers who likely do not have another job waiting in the wings for them?

I was saddened and humbled.  My little black rain clouds were annoying, but they were not cancer, they were not grieving a loved one, nor was I in a position of looking for a new job in tough economy or grieving the loss of my business.  Think at the level of community and that is where we find peace.  I doubled my resolve to be a happy and active contributor to the world.  I hope you do too!