Thursday, January 14, 2010

A Little R and R

Some friends from church invited me to the spa at a really, really good deal. So last week, I spent three whole nights away from my boys. While it was hard for me to leave my little Elijah-man, I knew he was in capable hands.
With Daddy.














And Grandpa.














And I'm sure Elmo helped too.
















Knowing that Elijah was in capable hands made it possible for me to relax.
I had such an awesome time...talking, laughing, reading, sitting in the hotub, spending some quality time with my mom, and rejuvenating. Ahh, it was so nice. And it's the reason why Elijahland has been so quiet. I just haven't been able to get back into the swing of things. It's not because I don't have anything to say, I'm just trying to get back into our routines and get caught up.

Going to the spa got me to thinking about how women tend to give so much of themselves, rarely slowing down. It's so important to take care of yourself, to reflect, to make time to spend with God.

I felt a tad guilty leaving my boys behind, but I know I needed it and was glad the opportunity presented itself. It was good for me. Raising a small child is hard work. Rewarding, wonderful, amazing work, but work nevertheless. If you're a parent, don't forget to care for yourself. And especially when it comes to raising a child with special needs, moms (and dads) need time to themselves away from the worry. Don't feel guilty about that. Yes, perhaps I'm talking to myself here. But, I'm learning that it's okay to have a night (or a couple of days in this case!) to myself once in awhile. Because a rested and healthy me makes me a better mama. Take some time for yourself, would you? And don't feel guilty about it. And then maybe I won't either.

And ladies...thanks for an awesome time away from it all. Ahhhh.....

8 comments:

Kathy Lausted said...

Lisa...I was so happy to be able to spend the time away with you. Those are rare chances in this life. As mothers we care deeply for our children. Thank you for asking me. And thank you to the other ladies to give this opportunity to us - first for my beautiful daughter, for me and for the opportunity to get to know you all better:) It was a blessing from God. Much love, MomKat

Hanners said...

Lisa-
I'm so happy for you that you got to do this. You deserve it so much. And what's even better-you got to spend it with your Mom as well!

Anonymous said...

Lisa,
Good for you for taking some time for yourself. I have often thought I would love to teach a class for high school girls about the importance of just being oneself - and, yes, giving to others, but also giving to yourself.
You and Andy are such wonderful parents and love your little guy so much. Part of being able to do that is each of you taking time for yourselves AND the two of you taking alone time with each other.
So, give yourself permission to do so, and enjoy!
Bless you.
Aunt Becky

Candace said...

Hi Lisa, My name is Candace. I found you from Ellen's blog. Nice to meet ya! Looks like you had some fun. I have a six year old daughter, Faith, with CP. She had a stroke from a blood clot at birth. Look foward to getting to know you and Elijah!

Anonymous said...

Honestly, I had a tough time getting back up to speed after the holidays....had to send CollegeSon back to the frozen north.

Elijah looks so happy in the photos - you were correct not to worry about him. Love the photo of your feet and the fireplace.
Barbara

Grandma said...

Oh, Lisa! That sounds just divine. I am so glad you were able to take a TRUE break. I can only imagine how wonderful that must have been - and definitely deserved.
I have recently been thinking about how important it is to take a little time each day for myself. I feel selfish even writing it, but I believe that our children are more fully blessed by our service to them when we are happy, balanced people! (So let me know if you find the trick to being "balanced!")

Michelle said...

Sorry, that last comment was from me! I was using my mom's computer and didn't realize I was leaving a comment from her account. :)

Lisa said...

Mumsie!(aka MomKat) - Memories of the spa are sustaining me these days. It was so nice to spend some good quality time with you. LOVE.

Hannah - thanks. It was nice to be with my mom, we don't have many opportunties for just the two of us anymore. (Remember to take time for yourself too!)

Aunt Becky - Thanks for your kind words. I so appreciate them (and you!).

Candace- I'm so glad to "meet" you! I'm looking forward to getting to know you and Faith.

Barbara- Ahh, I wish that's the view I were enjoying right now. ;)

Michelle- haha, I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses someone else's profile on accident. ;) But in all seriousness, I think it's so important for a mom to take some time for herself once in awhile, a cup of tea, a bubble bath, a moment to remember the woman she is...And, no, I don't have the answer to being balanced. Wish I did!

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...