Happy Mothers Day

We may wake this morning feeling like it's just another day and in many ways it is. We'll wake to the sounds of our children and maybe grumble a little because they've woken so early and all you wanted to do on this, your morning, was sleep in a little longer. But when they wake and say "cuddle mummy, give a kiss" and land a big sloppy sucker on your cheek you'll soon forgive them. You'll realise that all the hard work you've put in has been worth every second. They bring you breakfast in bed and a handmade card and your heart melts.

When they feel you've had enough rest, usually after ten minutes, they'll start. "Mummy, breakfast, podge". "Mum can you help me clean my room". "Mummy, poop!", "Mum, will you take me to the shops? I really need a new dress and a new pair of pyjamas and a new pencil case and a new pair of shoes.......". "Mummy, chocolate pleease". "Muuuum, have you washed my jeans?" "Mummy read it book".
You'll look at the clock and realise it's not even yet 6am. You've thought about taking the day off work just to be at home with them but you're thinking that going to work is really the only way you're going to get any rest. Just as you're thinking this they come in and beg you to stay home with them because it's Mothers Day. Even though you've just started at a new (or returned to a crap job you did years ago) you give in and say "Ok". You call your employer and leave a message saying you won't be in because you're throat has closed over. Your kids breathe a sigh of relief. You look at them and think you've done the right thing. Just as you're starting to again revel in the beauty of motherhood one of them spills their milk all over the carpet. The other rips all the toilet paper from the toilet roll just for fun.

Your employer calls you back and tells you how important it is that you be at work because you haven't finished your training even though you've done the same kind of work for 12 years. She says they have a lot to teach you still. She suggests you take a soother. She says you also need a medical certificate for a closed over throat. You smile and say ok but you really just want to stuff a rag in her mouth so you no longer have to listen to her. The guilt you feel about not showing up for work eats you alive all day. Then your mother sends you an email . Something about pigeons being there for their babies. Something about how mothers are the ones the children look to for their comfort and to be there when they come home from school and how it's mother's who teach their children values like honesty, integrity and virtue.

How is taking a day off work teaching them honesty, integrity and virtue?

I justify it like this: No one should have to work like a battery hen. Especially on mothers day.