The Writing Mamas Daily Blog

Each day on the Writing Mamas Daily Blog, a different member will write about mothering.

If you're a mom then you've said these words, you've made these observations and you've lived these situations - 24/7.

And for that, you are a goddess.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

 

Riding the Mommy Wave

Last Wednesday, I had the day off from work, but my own grade school children had class.  

My day was wide open from eight-thirty to three.

Sure, I could have graded a pile of papers, organized my son’s drawers, or stained the deck; but when I awoke to that fogless, windless, October morning, I knew what I had to do. 

Go to the beach.

At breakfast, I mentioned my plans to my husband. 

“I would never do that,” he said, as if going to the beach on a workday was the moral equivalent of having an affair.

I made sure the workmen who were installing our furnace all week were not looking when I loaded my boogie board, towel and snacks into the car.  I didn’t want them to think I was a good for nothing woman of leisure.  Plus, I didn’t want them to know I would be gone all day.

I thought again about staying home. 

I could answer any questions they might have, or create some PowerPoints for my class.  Of course, the workers could always call me or better yet, my husband.  

I walked along Stinson Beach, watching the morning light sparkle on the receding and approaching waves.

Pleasantly worn out, I spread my towel and lay down.  I didn’t miss my children’s arguments about who brought which beach toys, or whining about not being able to eat a sandy sandwich.

After a while, I decided it was time to boogie board.  The ocean was freezing.  Not wanting to dip my chest in the water, I missed catching the first big wave.  When the next one came -- I was ready. 

I swam furiously, and caught the break. 

I rode twenty feet to shore and back, nearly colliding with a seventy-year old couple. 

Then I did it again.

As I ran to the sea, I was glad that my non-maternal, non-professional, non-wifely self had persevered.

By Beth Touchette

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Comments:
Beautiful story! And how precious it is to know that YOU are still in there somewhere, amongst all this roles, chores, duties and many hats to wear. Cudos for making a great choice that morning, and sharing it with us so beautifully.
Svetlana
 
Bravo! You made a good choice.

Lorrie
 
Right on mama! Sounds like an awesome time-I felt like I was there on the beach reading this. Good for you!!
 
good for you! nothing puts motherhood in perspective like catching a wave - you are a surf diva!
 
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