Right Where I Ought to Be
by Mia Cronan
http://MainStreetMom.com

Having been an at-home mom now for six years, my sense of confidence in the job that I do has run the gamut, from questioning my self-worth to feeling like I happily rule the world, or at least that of my four children. I would bet my last dollar that every at-home mother has done the same thing, but I need that dollar for groceries, so I won't. 

Just last week, I stood in the doorway, cozily clad in my toasty robe and fuzzy slippers, waving merrily to my daughters as they skipped toward the school bus. Having assured myself that they were safely ensconced on the bus, I turned on my heel to start a day of caring for our two youngest. As I did so, my oldest daughter's backpack caught my eye as it sat abandoned in a chair. 

That particular morning, it was a mere three degrees. When I awoke, I had told myself it was to be a warm and fuzzy day at home, since I had no errands to run. Surprise! I suddenly had to dress the three of us that remained at home, warm up the van, and get my daughter's backpack to her before the school day started. So I dressed, buckled up the tots, and jumped behind the wheel after having scraped the half inch of frost off the windshield. Off we went. I happened to pull into the parking lot at the very same time as the bus, just in time to see my daughters getting off the bus. My oldest ran over to the van, grabbed the backpack from me, gushed a "Thanks, Mom!" and off she was to start her day. 

As I pulled out of the parking lot, it occurred to me that the very same situation could have been a nightmare if I was working outside the home and not as available to respond to life's little emergencies for my kids. Perhaps an important school project that was due that day would have been inside the backpack. Or maybe I could have had a mandatory meeting, rendering me unable to drop the backpack off at school. The simple task of picking up the slack where my daughter's error was concerned was no big deal in and of itself. But I was able to do it. She may have already forgotten the incident, but hopefully she'll have fond, if vague, memories of me being there for her always.

A few days after the backpack incident, my youngest daughter developed an infection, requiring a trip to the doctor, a trip to the pharmacist, lots of fluids, and plenty of rest at home. This was all accomplishable with minimal fuss because I have the flexibility to plan my schedule around my kids, rather than the other way around. And I love being needed!

I'm sure I am right where I ought to be, for our kids and for our family. It's not glamorous, the pay is nonexistent, and my wardrobe consists of sweats, jeans, t-shirts, and sneaks, but my life is more satisfying today than it has ever been.

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