My friend Joe wrote a must-read post about what you can’t control once you become a parent. This week fate dealt my family a curveball I’m having trouble figuring out how to process. No one is in mortal danger. I should start with that. But I’m hoping that some of you more experienced parents have some insight to share.
I’ve written before about the importance of solo travel. I stand by my beliefs, but this week have had them tested. The funny thing is that I wasn’t even traveling solo. I took Deal Girl on a trip, and during the trip Deal Kid broke a bone. A pretty big one. He’ll be okay in a few weeks and honestly is taking all of this better than I am.
I seriously considered coming home early with Deal Girl but we were on a press trip which meant cancelling would have been both expensive and difficult. Unfortunately, Deal Dad also had can’t miss work obligations. Something had to give.
And this time it was Deal Dad that took one for the team. And there’s my guilt. Not only am I feeling guilt that I wasn’t there when Deal Kid was injured, I’m also feeling guilt that I wasn’t the one who had to bend.
Deal Dad was in total control of the situation. I had no reason to believe that Deal Kid wasn’t getting the absolute best care.
But I still have guilt.
I know it’s totally irrational. In 2017 fathers are just as capable and as responsible as mothers.
I just can’t shake the feeling that I should have been there.
Original publish date Nov. 9, 2017
