For 10 years I have done summer with the kids while hubby worked his buns off at work.  Ten years of driving to day camps, hosting pool parties, planning “excursions” and taking off with the kids so we can fill the days with memories and fun.

Now, this year, the tables have turned.  I waved good bye to hubby and the three kids this morning as they took off camping for a few nights.

And I stayed home.

They went off for adventure. Off to the beach, with a cooler full of “snack foods”.

And I stayed home.

And it let me appreciate how my hubby must have felt all those years as we drove off, headed towards sunshine and happiness, while he stayed home.

I had a mixture of longing to go with them, to throw caution to the wind and embrace summer, mixed with an intense feeling of gratitude that I could stay home and work and complete a huge project that I had sold.  That I could focus on ME, without sacrificing the kids, or feeling guilty about them adapting to my needs.

We say parenting is a partnership thing, but seeing it in action is a true miracle.  Balancing responsibilities allows both partners the best of both worlds.  The opportunity to participate passionately in their career AND their family.

They are back tomorrow night, and I will have this project completed and a few dollars in the bank, and then I will dive headfirst into a pile of family.  I will embrace my role as mother, without losing out on my career opportunities.