I find that one of the hardest things about being a mother is leaving your child in distress. This morning, poor Michael was sick, tired, spotty (chicken pox, of course, have found myself humming all day “and another one down, another one down, another one bites the dust”) and needy. If I put him down, he howled. If anyone else held him, he howled. He’s normally such a cheerful little boy but this morning he was miserable and he needed his mama. Daniel was neither sick nor spotty but he also wanted some maternal attention. Their mother, however, was off to work and they howled in vain, punching the air in indignation with their chubby little fists and crying piteously “Mama, mama”. On the way to work, I dropped the Princess off at her course. “Please Mummy, stay just a little while longer” she said plucking my trousers. “Sweetheart, I have to go to work”. “Just one last hug”. “OK, one last hug, but then I’ve got to go”. I placed herself in the arms of one of the course organisers and she fought furiously while wailing “I want my Mummy”. My last sight of her this morning was of her furiously red face contorted in distress with big fat tears rolling down her cheeks. I stayed outside the door for a moment listening to see whether she would calm down but she continued to sob “je veux ma maman”. Alas.
Ach. What a terrible morning for you all. It is so hard sometimes. I hope Michael is feeling better soon.
I know the feeling and I hate it.
🙁
It’s one of the worst feelings. My two put on the show purely for my benefit and generally calm down once I’m out of sight (and out of mind), but before then, they certainly know how to plunge the dagger of guilt into my heart.
Awful, I know, my little one has started saying “no nursery” over the last few weeks – and she only goes 2 days a week (!) Am with lilo on the out of sight, out of mind thing but is sure as hell doesn’t make it any easier. Don’t be too hard on yourself Mrs W.
I don’t want to be annoying here but I would love it if Baby E would do this – she’s not yet been ill and doesn’t yet mind if I leave her, so while I’m tearing my heart out while I put my coat on and walk backwards to the door, calling “Bye, Precious! Mummy loves you! Mummy will be back soon!”, she usually glances, hassled, in my general direction, then turns back to whoever is staying with her and gives them a great big smile. Oh to be needed desperately.
gulp!
Kate- Ooooooh!! You know now you’ve broken the spell she will get the worst bout of separation anxiety known to man and you won’t be able to go to the toilet- never mind go out.
Thank you all very much for your comforting words…I think I like Kate’s the best!