Here I am, parked in my minivan, taking a breather from the whirlwind of family life. It’s just me, a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by the soothing sounds of crickets and my son’s distant whines from the house. This evening is reminiscent of an Indian summer, oddly warm for this time of year, yet I feel the need to escape.
Inside, I can hear my partner, Mark, attempting to calm our son. But I refuse to re-enter the chaos. I’m typically the one who smooths over the conflicts, the one who resolves the little dramas. Today, though? I just needed a moment.
Sitting here, I reflect on the day. I decided to lighten my hair, but those stubborn grays are still there, defiantly reminding me of my age. I try to pluck one, only to have three more sprout in defiance. A physical testament to the trials of parenting, they demand recognition.
The ongoing struggle with my son over his messy room and his endless collection of toys feels like a battle as old as time. And let’s not even get started on my feelings toward Mark tonight—let’s just say we’re both in a mood. He tends to procrastinate while I nag. Ah, the joys of marriage.
In this moment of solitude, I glance around my minivan. It’s cluttered with remnants of school runs, sports practices, and weekend adventures: old snack wrappers, forgotten shoes, and mysterious items I prefer not to identify. I quickly avert my gaze before I start organizing the chaos.
Soon, I’ll head back inside and try again. Because sometimes, we all need a break to catch our breath and regain our perspective. It doesn’t mean we’re bad parents; it means we’re human. It keeps us from sending our children to the nearest daycare or our partners to the couch. Tonight, I just want to be less than what everyone expects of me.
If you feel the need for your own escape, take that moment. Whether it’s a few minutes in the car with a drink or a quiet space to think, it’s important. I’m just a mom in a minivan parked in the driveway, and that’s enough for tonight. No shame in that, unless I let it creep in. Here’s to small escapes!
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In summary, sometimes escaping to your car for a moment of peace is what you need to recharge. It doesn’t make you a bad parent; it makes you human. So take that time to breathe and reset.