There's No Place Like Home
http://powerofmoms.com/articles/126/1/There039s-No-Place-Like-Home/Page1.html
April Perry
April Perry is a mother of four precious children and is the founder of "Power of Moms." She received a BA in Communications and loves reading, writing, learning from the wonderful mothers around her, and spending time with her family (especially her cute husband). By April Perry
Published on 07/24/2008
Dorothy was right. Other places might be fun and new, but when it comes down to it, happiness can be found right in your own backyard.
There's No Place Like Home
I had the chance to go away by myself for three whole days this month to speak at a conference for teenagers. It was a completely new experience! Rarely do I get on an airplane without a bag of toys, drive a rental car without a carseat in the back, eat at a restaurant without ordering a kids' meal, or stay in a hotel where I can sleep whenever I want! Ahh...three days of paradise (or so I thought).
Having a chance to take on a new adventure does something for the soul, and I am so grateful that my husband was willing to take on all four of our children by himself so I could have this opportunity. I'm glad I went--not because I wanted to be away from my family, but because I appreciate them so much more now that I am home.
At the conference, I wondered if I was really needed. Hopefully I contributed some value while I was there, but what I love about home is that I NEVER wonder if I am really needed. It is painfully obvious every minute of the day that someone needs me right now!
When my speaking assignment was finished on the last day, I quietly packed up my things and walked out to the parking lot without a word. At home, everyone notices when I leave. "Why are you wearing lipstick, Mommy?" "Why are you holding your car keys?" "What time are you going to come home?" I never leave the house without at least twelve kisses, several hugs, a plea to stay home just a little longer, or maybe even a little sticker to put on my shirt.
The world is a pretty nice place, I must say. People are generally courteous, friendly, helpful, and caring, but nothing compares to the love a mommy gets in her home. When I pulled up to my home after my trip, this is what I saw on the door:
Having a chance to take on a new adventure does something for the soul, and I am so grateful that my husband was willing to take on all four of our children by himself so I could have this opportunity. I'm glad I went--not because I wanted to be away from my family, but because I appreciate them so much more now that I am home.
At the conference, I wondered if I was really needed. Hopefully I contributed some value while I was there, but what I love about home is that I NEVER wonder if I am really needed. It is painfully obvious every minute of the day that someone needs me right now!
When my speaking assignment was finished on the last day, I quietly packed up my things and walked out to the parking lot without a word. At home, everyone notices when I leave. "Why are you wearing lipstick, Mommy?" "Why are you holding your car keys?" "What time are you going to come home?" I never leave the house without at least twelve kisses, several hugs, a plea to stay home just a little longer, or maybe even a little sticker to put on my shirt.
The world is a pretty nice place, I must say. People are generally courteous, friendly, helpful, and caring, but nothing compares to the love a mommy gets in her home. When I pulled up to my home after my trip, this is what I saw on the door:
They're all "Welcome Home" signs, in case you can't read them very well. My eyes welled up with tears, relief washed through my whole body, and I FINALLY understood what my mom has been telling me all along: You can look everywhere else for happiness, but you'll find it right in your own backyard.