It reminded me of when my daughter, now almost 20, was between 6 mos and a year old. In those days I was writing fiction full time (which is to say without pay, and for as long a stretch of time as my mommy duties permitted each day).

My computer desk had a metal back, so I brought out a bucket of magnetic letters, fruits, fridgies, etc. and spent about 3 minutes playing with her using the magnets. She was contented sometimes for up to an hour that way. Of course this was during her pre-ambulatory days. Walking changes the whole mother-child dynamic.

She grew up literally at my feet in those early years. Eventually I had to confine my writing (I need quiet) to after bedtime and during preschool twice a week for 6 blessed hours. I always fell asleep at naptime, too.

Don’t misunderstand. I was (and still am) devoted to her. But when you have something burning in you to accomplish, even beloved children can be a frustration to that.

So you have to choose what’s most important. Therefore I regret nothing about being home with her or the years I homeschooled her. I was 39 when she was born and determined not to miss anything of her life as I didn’t know how long I would be around to enjoy her.

Just a little mommy reminiscing. For a moment I thought I was back in Maryland. A firetruck with blaring siren went through town a few seconds ago and I envisioned it going down the street in front of our house in Cheverly, not where I am in Ohio. Jarring to be in two places at once. One in the mind and the other in the physical realm. LOL

My 2 cents.

Deb Gallardo

“After awhile they get smart and clean their room before they ask ” I love it.

How did I miss this post? Did I sleep through the end of June? It’s right up my alley.

“If you’ve got a dream, you’ve got to protect it. When people can’t do something themselves they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. If you want something – go get it. Period…”

WOW

Deb Gallardo

But I do talk to my kids a lot about why I need time to work, and that does help most days. There are times when my kids get frustrated with my hours. My daughter has learned to tell me early that she’s going to want to play a game. My son is just 2 and only talking a little, so communication with him is a little more vague at times.

But I’m so glad they’ve finally learned to play together much of the day. I send them out into the yard and they’re happy for an hour or more most times.

Thank you for writing this. I saw this movie a few weeks ago and was greatly touched.

I’m definitely trying the timer thing…my kids are younger, but we’ll see how it goes.

BTW…I LOVE that quote. Thanks again for sharing.

My son was 5 when I started using it. He is 15 now and if he asks me to take him to the movies I reply with “Sure, if you clean your room I’ll take you as soon as you’re done”. After awhile they get smart and clean their room before they ask

I saw the Pursuit of Happyness too and thought it was a great movie. Will Smith’s son was so cute in it too, and it was just a good example of how if you want something bad enough you find a way to make it happen.

Chris Gardner and his son (along with Will Smith and his son) were on Oprah just before this movie came out and his son was saying how he didn’t even remember that they were homeless at all, he just remembered being with his dad everyday.

Off to rent this movie – looks great!
Delecia

I quit my job cold turkey with a husband and 4 kids (that equals 6 mouths to feed!) to start a business with no guarantee of success…