Where I Belong

I know they're a lovely crew, but sometimes (Once a month like clockwork.) I forget how blessed I am and decide I want to run away from home.

So yesterday, as I drove aimlessly around Medford, Oregon, trying to decide where I should run away to while crying and feeling shamelessly sorry for myself, I heard the honk of another car slowly passing by.

It was a friend of mine.

Turns out she was driving aimlessly around Medford, Oregon as well, trying to kill time because she didn't want to go home either.

She said she had just the cure for me and drove me to Mellelo's for an iced, single-shot, decaf Mexican Mocha. She talked, she listened and she shared her own mothering struggles with me (which really, aren't all that different than my own.)

And then she pulled up next to my car and reminded me of why I had to go home.

So I sat in my car with my head pressed hard up aginst my steering wheel for a few minutes and then I put my key in the ignition and drove home.

Where I belong.

Comments

[Nina Diane]

Karen...take it from a mom of 3 grown ones, we all have times like that. And it's ok...it's ok because you always find your way back home. And then they grow up and dang, you wish you had those days back. we're a fickle bunch aren't we. hugs to you!

[Angie G.]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who deals with this. There are some days (and yes they seem to be monthly) when I can't wait to escape. Thank you for sharing - it is good to know I'm not alone!

[Sarah]

I know I've said it so many times before, but I just LOVE your honesty!! Glad to know I'm not the only one who feels like this. It sure can be lonely sometimes being a Mum

[teresa b]

Your sooo not alone in this one!! At times.. I feel like even if I ran away.. they wouldn't even notice until..there wasn't any food left in the fridge or they ran out of toilet paper..cause God knows it doesn't just appear there all by itself!!

[nancy in ks]

To anyone outside looking in, they would never understand why I also would want to run away. Never for long, but just to escape for a little. In the last week I've checked airfares for Cabo, LA, NY, and even Medford! Turns out, I'm not ready to run away that far, so I spent the weekend all alone (I'm a granny now) and refused some kind offers asking me to watch the grandkids and ignored the phone.

Reading these comments make even me feel better, because I've feel guilty for needing space when my kids are already grown. Turns out every season of life has different struggles and we are wise to recognize how we are doing. We are wise to cry and we are wise to run away for just a few minutes. We are wise to take care of ourselves so can keep going. We are wise to be thankful for little gifts of encouragement that come in many different ways. We are wise not to beat ourselves up too much when life is tough and we cry. And we are wise to ask God to help us.

It just wasn't very wise for me to eat candy all day yesterday.

[Ada]

:)
I get that. We all do. And as crazy as it seems, its wonderful to belong there.

[Helen Walsh]

Thanks for being so honest and sharing Karen. Makes me feel human!!

[Michelle Arthur]

Aaaahhh!!! The thoughts of moms everywhere. We just need to remember we are only human and that, for some reason, kids are just little people with minds of their own. Seriously, hang in there. I have from good sources that this too shall pass. Of course, these same sources did not warn me about any of the bad stuff before I got pregnant.

[Merrie]

Definitely important to take some time out for yourself sometimes! Praying for the Spirit to sustain you!

(Love Courtney Lee's haircut!!)

[Cindy]

You are not alone. I was ready to leave last night while struggling with a 5th grader over spanish homework. I never took spanish so you can imagine how well I was doing. My daughter went to bed and I was ready to pack it all in and I remembered what you wrote here. Thanks for making me feel like I am not alone.

[Kristen Duke Photography]

we all need to take a little break from life in some way or another. ;how fun that you ran into a friend along the way;)

[Kate]

Thank you for sharing and for your honesty.

I read this post, turned to my husband and said "see, I am just a normal woman"!

Hang in there, the good times are worth. You, your family and what you do together has been an inspiration for me to get out and live more of my life in the company of my children.

For that I thank you.

Kate

[Jody]

Thank you! I rally needed to hear this today!