Day of the Mothering Writer
This piece is part of “Day of the ___ Writer” an open collab on the daily experiences behind our writing. You’re welcome to join by posting about your day on your pub. Check out our growing mosaic of many lives.
A little late, and a bit messy
A kiss on the lips so light, a part of me thinks I’m still dreaming. “Love you.”
Footsteps.
The front door closes.
Rolling over in my cocoon of warmth, I find my four year old snuggled up to her pillow, that is unsurprisingly right next to mine. A few moments of daydreams that reach for depth, and I decide it’s better to savor this small moment of solitude.
An hour of conversation with myself, and I hear “Morning mom, can I have breakfast?”
“It’s not quite eight yet, everyone else is still asleep, can you wait until the others wake up?”
“Okay.”
Ten minutes later the conversation repeats in a cycle that continues, until at least one other child is awake. That’s the moment I cave, and make breakfast for two.
After all five children have risen from slumber, and done the tasks of their morning routine; we settle in for school.
The oldest ventures off to his room, to begin online lessons. The middle three start the day off with math, while the youngest is still determining if being awake is the best idea.
Around ten am requests for lunch start coming in, and frustrations about having to do school work instead of playing, rev up. Five bathroom trips, two crying fits, one flat out refusal, and I’m ready for a break myself.
My break consists of a little writing on this project or that, maybe a small snack to prevent the hangries. It’s not a long break, but enough to chase a little passion.
Lunchtime arrives. This kid wants this, that kid wants that. The oldest makes his own lunch, the second oldest asks me what’s for lunch, and the youngest three each ask for different things. Compromises are made, and everyone is mostly satisfied.
By three I’m done with school, so the kids get to be done too. Most days I take a solid break. Watch an episode of a show I love, read a book that carries no commitment, or sit outside while the kids run around.
I do my best to weave in social interactions, so I don’t completely lose my mind; but I often have to choose between being social, or saving energy.
It’s not all demands and chaos, there’s love and laughter in my day too. Lots of, “Mom! Look at this thing I made!” And “Mom, you’re the best day ever!” A favorite phrase of my youngest.
There is kindness, and music, and quiet moments spent dreaming. My writing doesn’t take a back seat to my life, it stays in my pocket, ready and waiting for the story to unfold.
