Me, before you?

Mothers.

Selfless, worn, giving.

Always giving.

Moving between the needs of others.

Unwashed hair, because at the end of the day, sleep wins.

Dreams on hold, because her family has needs.

Days pass by, blending together, responsibilities, various and unchanging.

Diapers, bottles, fevers, spit-up, boo-boos, hugs, kisses, giggles, bath time, bedtime stories.

Cooking, lunches, doing the dishes, sweeping, mopping, laundry, appointments.

Grocery shopping, bills, credit card or debit card, which should I use?

COFFEE or WINE?

Both, I say; they pass the baton once evening comes. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, after all.

Meow. The cats are hungry.

Shit, I’m hungry.

“When was my last drink of water?”, I wonder, staring into my empty coffee cup.

Tap water tastes like metal, lukewarm and cloudy. Down it fast.

Warm baby snuggles, existential conversations with a wise-beyond-her-years pre-teen mind.

Extra-curricular activities.

Swim lessons.

Horseback riding lessons.

Loving glances, a hurried kiss and an “I love you” before work.

Sleep 11 PM to 5 AM. At best.

Finally lay down.

Relax.

Warm, loving man next to me.

His arms are safe. Comforting.

And I sleep.

Dream.

I dream in sleep and in life.

Never stop chasing.

Don't let time pass you by.

Motherhood is not all that you are.

Get that degree. Interview for that job you want. Do what scares you.

Darling, don't ever lose yourself. Don't lose sight of who you are.

Those kids will be gone one day, with their own families.

Nurture yourself. Nurture your partner.

Keep falling in love, over and over. Dream together.

Be intimate. Often. In body and in mind.

Don't lose each other.

Don't lose yourself.