Girls' Night In

Yesterday's cold, gray, drizzly rain called for a bowl of popcorn and several cups of hot chocolate.

After a frantic morning trying to figure out who would take my kids to school (there was a 3 hour delayed start due to inclement weather) and an overall exhausting week, I was ready to pick up my daughters and head home for a cozy "Girls' Night In".

I decided that the best way to kick off this special evening would be with a nice warm bubble bath. I visualized myself relaxing in my whirlpool tub while they splashed and played in their bathtub in their own bathroom.

...They had a different idea. "Let's all take a bath together in your bathtub, Mom!", they excitedly suggested. When I tried to dissuade them, they returned with, "But we just want to be with you, Mom." I was reminded of the times when, as a child, I never wanted to leave my mother's side, and I easily capitulated.

The three of us piled into one giant bubble bath. My youngest brought in her collection of dolphins and seals and held her own personal Seaquarium show. My older daughter rubbed each of my tired feet. I, in turn, rubbed (tickled) hers. Then, in a gesture born of her own empathy and selflessness, she took my hand in hers and rubbed away the aches and tension of an incredibly intense week. I gave her each of my hands to work on, my wrists completely exposed to her...and there was not a single cut to hide or be ashamed of.

Every agonizing struggle that I endured this week in resisting the urge to cut was worth it to be able to spend this moment with my daughter.

Thank God I did not cut this week.