Vacation as a mother means

taking the nap I’ve been meaning to take for nearly 2 years
walking on someone else’s cleaned carpet
letting my arms linger a few moments longer on Nick’s shoulders

Vacation as a mother means
having a roomful of excited people watch Isaiah so I can sit by the lake
letting the shower drip off me at its leisure
sipping, not gulping, a cupful of water

Vacation as a mother means
having time to walk without a stroller in front of me
watching an old man ride his bike down the empty road
hearing Isaiah giggle from another room

Vacation as a mother means
softer pillows and even breathing
updated windows and newer fixtures
someone else running the vaccuum

Vacation as a mother also means
realizing how blessed my life truly is
and finally having time
to be grateful for it