The Seven Day Switch

by Kelly Harms

Haven’t we all had those moments where the “road diverged” and both roads ahead are equally fascinating and equally cool? But you take one or the other and your life happens after that.

Reality crept up slowly, like the sneaky bitch she is.

Time stands still when you are a stay-at-home mom, and working moms are always saying, Oof! Where did the day go? and I am always thinking, It did not go. It will never end. I will never get to the part where I sink into a comfy chair with a glass of wine, because this is the longest day of my life.

(Pro tip: in the event of a zombie apocalypse, clear any overcrowded bunker by talking at length about kids’ league sports.)

This, my mom would have said, is what it means to commit yourself. It doesn’t mean you’re never lonely or distracted. It means you’re lonely or distracted and you give your whole heart anyway.

How much we all give up, we mothers. How much we willingly hand over. Our bodies. Sleep. Sometimes safety. Often passion. And, of course, our dreams. We’ll give up our very dreams, if that’s what it takes to see to theirs.