by Joanne Rock –
I live in a tourist town and this is a hectic time of year when the spring breakers come to town. I’m happy for the local businesses though, and glad for the income that makes our little community thrive the rest of the year. But most of all I’m excited to have all my sons together this week for Spring Break. My family is spread between three states for the rest of the year, so I’m savoring the moments when my sons have time off and we are all under one roof again.
I remember distinctly—all the years that they were growing up—how much I loved that moment when I laid down at night after I tucked them all in. For me, it was one of the nicest moments of the day. Maybe that sounds like I’m a bad mom if I looked forward to having them all behind closed doors. But what I mean is, I liked knowing they were all safe and sound and that I’d nurtured and protected them through another day. Because let’s face it, parenting is a huge responsibility. But accomplishing all the little tasks—from teaching them to ride a bike, to making sure they are well fed and happy—is also a tremendous reward. Fulfilling that responsibility as a parent and seeing your children thrive is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
I miss that warm, fuzzy joy of knowing they are all under my daily care and happy. But I savor it anew when they come home again. I’m writing this post from the comfort of my own bed since I tire out long before the younger set. But I smile as I write, listening to their shared laughter in the next room. Cheers to spring break!
**Do you have a favorite spring break memory? Or what are you doing to celebrate spring’s arrival? Share with me in the comments and I’ll choose one random poster to win a copy of my upcoming Harlequin Superromance, NIGHTS UNDER THE TENNESSEE STARS.
NIGHTS UNDER THE TENNESSEE STARS can be purchased in eBook format for/from:
Paperback edition available ONLY from eHarlequin.
When both of my daughter’s were under one roof and they had spring break they would have all the kids *that wanted to and were allowed* spend the nights sleeping outside. It didn’t matter if there was a roof or not . Sometime’s they slept right on the ground with just blanket’s, pillow’s , sleeping bags , and comforters. I would order pizza and sometimes they pitched in change to help cover the cost. Luckily back then it didn’t snow or rain on them and no one got sick. They loved it and everyone was safe an snug every night!
What a fun tradition, Pam! I’ll bet they had a blast :-).
Trip to NYC with three of my best friends. It was my first time there. We did all of the tourist-y things and had a blast, and we’re still close after almost twenty years! As for this Spring’s arrival, we’re still waiting and hoping! There’s snow in our forecast overnight!!!
Hi Christy! Best friend trips are so fun. I went to Nantucket with my girlfriend during college and it was one of my favorite trips ever. We perfected doing nothing each day… lazed on beach. Ate seafood sandwiches and drank sangria for lunch. Dragged ourselves back to shower and go out for the evenings– on mopeds! I used a little of that trip in my book Double Play.