Today I was reminded that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most wonderful. This morning I sent my big girls off to school, then started my normal routine of showering and putting on makeup. And then it happened. My three year old daughter ran into the room, bringing with her love and light and everything that is wonderful about being young and innocent. She threw her little arms around me and declared, "Mommy, I love you so!"
Call me silly, call me sappy, call me whatever you want. My heart experienced the purest form of joy in that moment, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world. It means so much to me that I can be here when she goes to bed at night and when she wakes up in the morning. Maybe I was overwhelmed when the twins were babies, but I just don't remember taking time to reflect on the moments like this one. With them, sometimes it became all about keeping everyone alive until tomorrow. Now I try not to take a single second for granted.
There are those that have questioned my decision (both to my face and behind my back) to leave the career that I worked so long and hard for in order to "just stay at home." I guess I don't see it that way. The other day while I was chaperoning my older daughters' field trip, one of them apologized for making me miss a barrel race that afternoon. I replied that there was nothing more important in this world to me than spending time with her. And I meant it. Staying home for me is about putting my family first, ahead of any and every other worldly thing.
Veterinary medicine will always be there. My babies won't. One of the most precious moments of my day is having my daughter come flying into my room, throw herself at me, and say simply, "Snuggle!" Maybe I'm old fashioned, but it just doesn't get any better than that.
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