The weekend has come and gone, and I am home, safe with those I love. 

Greeted by small running feet and fighting over who gets the first hug I am overwhelmed with love for the tiny terrors who flung small arms around each leg.

“My tummy belly friend” from the oldest “mummy mummy mummy” from the youngest, 

Tears from the middle because “she loves me just too much”

The dog knocking them all down like bowling pins while I laugh and try to prevent tragedy. 

The weekend flew past with 48 hours of freedom. Only a few phone calls from work marred the time, and only good night phone calls to remind those I love that I am thinking of them.

I was alone and free, learning, walking around, spending time with friends from younger days.

I enjoyed every minute of it and plan to repeat the experience as soon as possible,

But at the same time, I realized how much I love the life I’m in. The kids are growing fast and won’t be small for much longer,

I am grateful to work where I do, to have a chance to help others even if it’s by just listening to the stories they need to share.

I’m amazed that I live in such a wonderful country, 

Still stunned by the circumstances of my birth.

Lucky to curl up at night in the nook of the person I’ve promised to spend forever with.

So while my “touch of freedom” has passed with the weekend 

I don’t feel stuck, instead, I feel cradled with love. 

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. 

Proximity makes the love even stronger