Loneliness

I often wonder, how many moms are lonely? If you're a stay-at home mom, do you ever feel the ache of loneliness as you cook, clean, buy groceries, and look after your kids? If you work outside the home, do you ever feel that similar ache away from your kids but surrounded by people? I have moved nine times in the past twelve years, so loneliness is a normal part of adjusting to a new place, new home, and new friends for me. But I wonder, those of you who have lived in the same place most of your life, do you ever have similar feelings? I have lived hundreds of miles away from my family for most of my married life, so I often envy those who have their moms nearby to visit or to have the freedom to drop off the kids without much advance notice for a much needed break. I did have the opportunity to live near my parents for two years, and I cherish those moments Now I chat with my mom on the phone from the other side of Canada.

The thought I have today is, how many of us are in our homes feeling lonely next door to another mom who is feeling the same way? And why are we not together more? For me, my excuse is often, "I can't have anyone over today! My house is a disaster! They will think I am the most disorganized person they've ever met!" Especially after yesterday. My stubborn, yet absolutely adorable 3-year old refused to have a bowel movement for 9 days. Yesterday, on the 10th day, he was in excruciating pain. With a white face, he shook violently while he tried to do his business, crying in the most heart-wrenching wail. As I hugged him and rubbed his tummy, I shook with tears too. Seeing your child in pain is one of the hardest things for a mom, especially when you have done everything possible to help the situation! After a week of prune juice, bran, flax seed, blueberries, and medicine, I finally prayed, "Lord, please let Gideon poop today! The poor guy is bloated and in excruciating pain!" Well, God answered that prayer, and He must have a sense of humor, because poop was everywhere! Some made it to the potty, some in the pull-up, more on the bathroom floor, the bathtub walls and even on the soap. Piles of poop littered his white bedroom carpet. So... do I get upset or do I thank God??? Gideon's tummy feels much better today, and of course I cleaned up the stinky mess yesterday, but in the midst of everything, including a trip to the doctor's office, I had no time to do everything else. My laundry is unfolded on the floor. My dirty dishes from yesterday are still in the sink. The vacuuming didn't get done and I still haven't put makeup on at 10:30am. So, does anyone want to come for coffee? I guess what I wonder is, if you are lonely, and I am too, can we still get together in sweat pants and no makeup, with dishes in the sink, and enjoy each other's company? Can we laugh about the joys and trials of motherhood and share a box of Oreos since I didn't have a chance to bake those blueberry scones I wanted to before you came over?

I think that true beauty is not from perfect clothes, sparkly jewelry, and a spotless house. It comes from within. I want to invite people over who don't mind my imperfect life and will share theirs with me. Let me know if you can come over, and I'll put on the coffee and grab that box of Oreos!