In Another Life...

A lifetime ago, I lived alone

In a very tidy townhouse

On a very wide, sunny beach

And I loved my solitude…mostly

I ate my favorite foods in my favorite restaurants

I never cooked unless I felt like it

I didn’t feel like it very often

And I loved my culinary freedom…mostly

I wore expensive suits and heels to work

And traveled a lot for business

I stayed in fancy hotels and had adventures

And I loved my fast-paced career woman life…mostly

My house was never messy and I was very well organized

I never ran out of toilet paper or milk or bread

No one else ever got to use the TV remote

And I loved my feeling of control over my universe…mostly

I stayed up late when I felt like it

And slept in whenever I wanted

I was only responsible for myself, no one else

And I loved my complete lack of responsibility…mostly

And now?

My life is always noisy, often chaotic, and extremely short on solitude

I feel like I’m a short order cook in a restaurant

I don’t have a single fancy suit in my closet and I traded in my heels for sneakers

My travel is now limited to the taxi service I provide via my aging minivan

I have given up on the illusion of control…and I never get a chance at the TV remote

My middle name has been changed to responsible party

My other names are:

Dispenser of justice/ Warden

Cheerleader/ Advocate

Social director

Nurturer/Nurse

Housekeeper/Chef

Go to person for all things lost

Tutor/Spiritual Guide

My first name is Mom

And I love my life…completely