The title of this post has connotations that can be misinterpreted. I’m currently coming down from a trip to Michigan to see my almost-niece get married, not from some wild weekend rave (do they still have those?) with bubbles and glowsticks. The bride is the daughter of one of my dearest friends, one of those special people who are too close to be called a friend any more; she qualifies as family.

The cool thing is that I travelled out there with another cross-over friend/family and her young son. He did great, the conversation was deep, there was laughter, tears, and often the two quickly followed each other. There was a celebration of friendship, faith, love and redemption. It was wonderful.

The reality of coming home is at once overwhelming and endearing, and if we’re being honest, a tiny bit of a bummer. I mean, where’s the adrenaline? Where are the high emotions and significant life moments? I’m home with three young kids and while there are definitely moments of high emotions, most of the time they ain’t that significant. They’re more emotional “I stubbed my piggy toe!” and “He won’t let me have that toy!” moments.

And the dishwasher stinks.

And sand in my bed.

And dog poop in the yard.

And a sick child who has to go to urgent care.

It takes me a couple days to reacclimate and shake off the starchy, pop magazine, sugar-induced fog from the airport and hotel room. It goes without saying that I miss my husband and kids when I’m away. A good friend liked to say to her kids, “If I don’t ever go away from you, I can’t miss you.” A little break is a good thing, even if the re-entry give you a minor case of whiplash. It is good to be reminded as a mom that the family can carry on without you. But it is nice to know that they notice when you’re gone, or maybe that you can tell when you’ve been gone.

Moms of the world, don’t underestimate your value. It takes a lot to keep a household running. See it as a good thing that things are a disaster when you return — this is the tidal wave you hold at bay every day. We matter, and it is nice to have our absence noticed…even if it is only noticed by us.  🙂