Summer's End

Mothers around the country are feeling mixed emotions this time of the year. Either they're glad to see their kids go back to school and they're feeling guilty over it. Or, they're feeling sad and apprehensive over their kids going back to school--and they're feeling guilty. Yes, we mothers love to feel guilty. We expect too much of ourselves. It's that Super Woman Syndrome.

I worked outside the home when my kids were in school, and that carried its own set of guilt. Dragging them out of bed earlier than normal, day care, and missed important events in their lives. Still, household economics dictated I work. So, like most Mom's I made the best of it. I scheduled vacation days for the fist and last days of school. Took off work to chaperone field trips. Baked cupcakes for every school party.

When an opening became available on third shift, I took it. I could be home in time to put them on the bus, sleep while they were in school and meet them at the bus stop in the afternoon, ragged and bleary-eyed. I recall my youngest telling me one day, "Gee, Mom, I like this shift. It's like you don't even work." Hunh, tell that to my exhausted body.

We sacrifice for our kids in many ways over the years. Some ways are good. Some aren't. But our intentions are always love-filled. Whatever sacrifices you make for your loved ones this week, this fall, this year may they bring special blessings to your heart--and to your home.