…have thought I’d be where I am now. Never would I have believed it even possible. Obviously, I wouldn’t call my life a study in well-layed plans brilliantly executed. Like most everyone else, I’ve made the best decisions I could based on the information I had at the time, with mixed results overall.
But as I strolled through the grocery store yesterday with Sam and Tom hanging off either side of my buggy and Will tripping along behind wearing a ten-gallon cowboy hat, a silver buckled western belt, and ornately tooled cowboy boots — all with shorts and a t-shirt — I marveled at how far they’ve taken me as a mommy and a woman. **
I’ve bought groceries with four — count ’em — four kids in tow. I’ve lugged 4 children to the doctor for the benefit of one, and choked down my panic as the three healthy ones *gasp* touched things in the waiting room. I have safely monitored two new swimmers and two determined drowners in a pool, alone, all summer. I’ve dealt with blood and boogers, bruises and public breakdowns. And I’ve learned to do it without screaming myself hoarse (most of the time).
They’ve forced me to be more organized. Galvanized me to establish healthier habits for the whole family, and — above all — helped bring into focus what’s really important. Specifically, if you really want a thing, you can find a way to make it happen.
So there’s a notebook in my purse now as I run my errands. A story outline is taking shape — bit by bit — in my computer. And I am probably closer to the Jodi I always wanted to be than I’ve ever been.
Bottom line, had you asked me when I was young and foolish, I certainly would never have chosen this difficult road to enlightenment. I wouldn’t have had the courage. But thankfully, there was a different plan in store for me. And never would I ever go back again.
**I should probably add that for the sake of solidarity, Sam was also wearing cowboy boots, and Tom was wearing cowboy boots AND a set of chaps with their requisite summer uniform of a t-shirt and shorts. Publix was the place to be for unexpected entertainment yesterday. There were so many giggles and whispers that Sam turned to me and asked, “Mom, why does everyone think we’re so cool?” We should all have such a great attitude!
