A Case of the Mom Guilts

My grandmother is turning 100 on the 1st of October. She is the cornerstone of our family and my family is planning a big blowout party to celebrate this milestone. I felt I really needed to go. Wingnut took leave from work and I purchased tickets. I am stoked!

Unfortunately, I am not one that relishes the thought of leaving my kiddos, even at home with their dad. In the nearly 20 years we've been married, I've only travelled and left kids at home two times, and both of those times I brought along my youngest at the time. Both of those trips were 10 years ago.

I leave for Spokane on Friday afternoon and I return on Monday night. I was really looking forward to the trip, until I mentioned it to Lil' Wingnut. He burst into tears. Suddenly I feel bad. I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help it. Wingnut will do a great job taking care of the kids. He's a wonderful dad, and he's actually looking forward to "spoiling" them while I'm gone. Yet, he's not mom. Mom is soft and sympathetic. She takes care of every need and has compassion for little bumps and bruises. Mom stays in bed and cuddles little ones. Mom understands every little quirk and preference. Dad is great, but he just isn't mom.

Say a little prayer for Lil' Wingnut. This is going to be a tough weekend for him. While you're at it, say a prayer for Wingnut too, I think he's really going to need it. Wait until he sees the schedule for the weekend. He's not going to have a moment to breath!