A Date With Mom

Not long ago, our life was pretty chaotic. I worked in a different city from my family and commuted home on weekends. It wasn’t easy but I was closer to my parents so that made it easier during the week. Often a date with mom eased my mind when life was too hard.

It all started when I moved in with my parents while working in another city from my own family. It was an adjustment moving back in with mom and dad as an adult but we made it work.

I’d come ‘home’ after work and mom would ask me about my day and we’d talk about hers as well. Then I’d start my evening routine and try to relax before my call to the family.

Rebuilding that relationship with my parents was nice. I hadn’t lived at home since I was 17 years old and although it wasn’t for the best circumstances it gave us an opportunity to get to know each other a little better as adults.

One day during work, I received a call from mom asking me out for dinner. I was trying to sort out work issues and figure out if I could meet her. Finally, I said yes because it was just easier than explaining “all the things”.

I’m glad I said yes.

The restaurant conversation was different than at ‘home’. There was no one else and nothing else to distract the conversation. It was just us, connecting.

I’ve mentioned that date nights with your husband are important, and spending time with friends is important. So is spending time with other family members.

Set aside the family drama and build relationships that are healthy and strong. Take the time to laugh, cry and love one another. Play games, be goofy and have fun together. Enjoy life.

I was recently talking with a lady about how simple life was on the family farm and how many people today complicate life. It wasn’t that there wasn’t work to be done, everyone worked together to get the work done. What I remember the most was how building family connections and strong friendships were a priority.

People ask me how they can simplify life. This is where to start, a date with mom or dad or someone else you love. Make the family and friends in your life a priority and create time for them.