Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Good Thing, Bad Time

Man, I missed something really special today. I intentionally set aside the morning to go out with my little girl so we could spend quality time with each other. She and I haven't been getting along too well lately. Mommy and Daddy have been working really hard, trying to begin a new business from the ground up.  Even though she can't put her feelings into words, we can see her frustration.  The weather has consistently been too cold to burn much energy off outdoors.  The gloom of winter has taken a toll on the four of us, especially on her.  

So, the two of us headed out for breakfast and shopping early this morning.  As we pulled out of our driveway, I did something that has become second nature for me.  I grabbed my BlackBerry and made a call.  Now, that in itself isn't a terrible thing.  But before I realized it, our trip was over and I had missed it.  The two of us were together, yes.  But mentally and emotionally I was completely absent.  

That first call led to another phone call, to reading and returning several emails, to a few more calls, to following friends on Twitter and Facebook, etc.  You get the picture.  A good and useful tool has invaded my life in a negative way....

My mother/daughter date turned out to be a huge wake up call for me.  And I answered.

3 comments:

Helen said...

Carmen, l read your post, and l understood your words. We have all been there. Aidan and l have started to hang out at the pool daily. No mobile phones allowed! Its been fun to step away from our busy life, from being contacted, from checking emails. I hope you and Addy have the chance to head out for some fun again soon.

x

Jotrellia said...

Now this really touched me. I have been diligently TRYING to pay attention to my child, who is growing way too fast and I can't seem to keep up. I blink, and she's bigger. I spend too much time on the phone, on the internet, doing things that only include her out of the corner of my eye. So now, I have been making attempts to not be so busy with other things and just see her. I love what Helen said about ditching the phone. I think that is my next huge goal when we're having quality time together. Thanks so much for sharing this experience.

Carmen Klapper said...

Thanks so much, girls. Love you both.