This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is Enjoy. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over to Kate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:
A few weeks ago an email was delivered to my inbox that at first brought me excitement, but moments later pangs of guilt. My daughter’s pre-school was going to be hosting a Thanksgiving Extravaganza. I find so much purpose and fulfillment in what I do for a living, however, my love for my job pails in comparison for my desire to spend time and to make memories with my daughter. I struggled for days and did not respond to the RSVP. During that time my mind was bogged down with thoughts like, Do I miss a day of work for a luncheon? What would my boss think of taking off for this?
In the end I decided to go for it.
I emailed my principal and explained the situation and was approved for the absence within minutes. One of the hardest parts of being a working mother is the thought of missing out on field trips, class parties, concerts, or award ceremonies and I’m so grateful that my school administrators value family to the extent that I don’t have to feel guilty about taking some time off to celebrate these things with my daughter.
Today was the day of the party and I was able to enjoy the day guilt-free.
We spent our morning preparing ourselves. My daughter wanted to dress up and do her hair so we took our time primping. Her class was in charge of bringing rolls so we had to stop to pick some up at the grocery store before the party. (I thought about making some gluten-free rolls, but wasn’t sure how many people would appreciate that.) When arrived, my daughter was so thrilled to introduce me to all of her classmates and their families. The children shared smiles, hugs, and comments about their festive attire before we all sat down to share in the meal.
I’m so glad that I didn’t have to skip this event. I was truly able to enjoy this day in her life and it’s times like these that I know I will cherish and remember forever. From listening to her recite a prayer with the rest of the children, to hearing all of the comments from her teachers about how well she is doing settling into the class, I needed this day.
May the Holiday Festivities begin!
The Ameri Brit Mom
The Ameri Brit Mom 
So glad you got to spend this time together!
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It would have been a travesty if you had missed this time. I am old enough to be your grandma but I want to remind you of something IMPORTANT. I raised three kids, was a single mom for years, had great jobs and still work fulltime, and I have lived to collect social security and I am here to tell you NO JOB, NO EMPLOYER, NOTHING is important enough to miss these life events with your children and the boss or principal who tells you to choose between? Isn’t where one needs to be. I AM VERY GLAD YOU ARE IN A PLACE THAT VALUES YOUR TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY. I’ve said enough. Beautiful post – so glad I came over from Kate’s. (I’m number 14 at FMF)
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what a wonderful experience, an understanding boss, and a fabulous pic! We’re FMF neighbours this week; I’m parked in #40 and you can find me here: http://www.desertspiritsfire.com/2016/11/five-minute-friday-enjoy.html
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Kudos to you for having your priorities straight :). Those are the little things that our kids remember when they become angst-filled teenagers. I almost made the mistake of not keeping our special relationships going (I have two daughters) when they hit the ‘I-know-everything-and-your-behavior-makes-me-roll-my-eyes’ stage of life.
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