This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
One mother’s story of travel and return…
It had been 12 days since I’d been with my daughter, save the 18 hours spent at home between trips, 8 of those hours spent sleeping.
I enjoyed myself, and the extra time to rest when work was done, but soon the days dragged on. We both spent our time waiting to see each other again. Days became night and night became day.
The time came for me to board the plane, only a few more hours until I’d be home. As the loud drone of the engines ripped to a start, I thought it might help me sleep, but only made my thoughts of home grow louder. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours. The flight seemed long. A small light illuminated the space around me each time I flipped my iPod on to check the time. I’d close my eyes only to open them a few minutes later to check the time or find something else to do to occupy it. Then I felt it, the slight turn downward of the front of the aircraft. “Almost there,” I thought, “almost there.” My foot was tapping with excitement and a smile began to spread across my face. I still counted the moments that seemed to last and last, but the wheels touched down uneventfully and I knew it wouldn’t be much longer now.
Deplaning and baggage claim went smooth and swift, and for that I was grateful. I was greeted by a ruggedly handsome man. His soft lips touched mine. “Welcome home lover,” he said. It rolled off his tongue. I couldn’t say much, my knees weakened. He always could do that to me. He opened the door and I stepped up into the cabin of his freshly washed SUV. It was warm. I hadn’t realized how cold I’d become in the cool evening temperatures. The ride home was sweet and joyful, but still not complete. I needed to see my little girl.
Of course a sweet little girl couldn’t stay awake this late to see her mommy, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t stop in for a late night kiss on the cheek of my sleeping babe.
The next morning, while daddy headed to the office, we spent our time cuddling, catching up on her favorite new movies and playing hide-and-seek. Running from room to room, giggles abounded. We played well past breakfast time and finally our bellies were growling from hunger, so we headed downstairs to the kitchen for a much needed snack.
No one would’ve guessed what came next.
Since my arrival home, she was attached to me, literally attached. It was no exception as we made our way down the stairs. I took the first step, and then the second. A moment later, we found ourselves laying at the bottom of the the stairs, her still clinging to me… and crying. We both were crying. I was hurting. She was scared.
Through her tears I hear, “I want daddy…” All I could do was nod, “I know, me too!”
After a few moments and a call to her ruggedly handsome daddy… everything is better.
Besides the bruise on my rear, and my ego, we are both fine, happily playing and laughing once again. And now as I make my way down the stairs while holding my baby girl, I hear, “Mommy, hold the rail.”
Cindy says
She is so sweet.
I can recall all the precious words my kids both said while they were so young. I miss that age.
Glad you’re both ok!
jennykate77 says
Lovely written story, but I’m sorry you bruised your hiney! This has happened to me…twice! Isaiah is now 5 and I think the first time it happened he was just a little baby and I was going downstairs for a night time feeding…he was perfectly fine, but I broke my glasses, bruised my cheek…and my ego, of course. Be careful! Glad you’re both ok.
Hope you have a fun and love-filled Valentine’s Day!!
Rachael says
oh wow, that was quite beautifully written. i loved the story. sorry you bruised your bum…
happy valentine’s day!
Call Me Cate says
Glad you’re both ok. So scary. But lucky for you, having those sweet memories and snuggles to help you heal.
From Single to Married says
What a sweet story! And glad you both are okay after your fall!!
bfs ~ "Mimi" says
Frightening to fall anywhere, especially down the stairs, with a babe in arms! Thank goodness you made the trip okay!!!
Yaya says
Awwwww!
Stacy (Random Cool Chick) says
Awwwww, what a wonderful and sweet story! Well, except the staircase tumble… 😉 I’m so glad you are both OK!!
Happy Valentine’s Day! 🙂
Nerdy Jess says
Aweeeee, I’m glad your ok 🙂
antoinette marie says
way to tell a story tab…no wonder you have so many blog followers….glad you’re back….see you tomorrow! blessings…
Tracy says
Glad you’re okay!
Thanks for visiting my blog and for the wonderful comments!!! Hope to see ya more often!
Tracy
[email protected] says
Glad to hear you’re both ok, and she’s so sweet!
happy Valentine’s Day!
Prasti says
i’m glad you two are okay. falling down the stairs is a bit scary! daddy always makes things better 🙂
Christina Lee says
awww 12 days feels like such a long time…..glad you’refinally home!
Corey~living and loving says
Wonderfully written…..with a surprise ending. eeekkk…
I have done that as well. Scary, and amazingly enough we usually find a way to take all the bumps and bruises for ourself.
glad you are both okay.
Rachel Porter says
thanks for commenting on my blog. i’m guessing you found it through the parsons blog. is that right? Your blog looks like it’s full of great info. i’ll have to check back on it often!
mommaof4wife2r says
ouch! oh my goodness! i’m so gla dyou mad eit home, but next time, try not to be so stinking dramatic the next morn! ha.
Laura says
Glad you are both alright! I have trouble with stairs as well.
Gerri says
Tab, you write so well…Yes, Mommy, hold the rail. 😉
Kelly says
you are such a fantastic story teller! i wanted to hear more! it’s so hard when the little ones go without mommy for a couple of days and then want their daddy even after mommy is home…i felt that way this weekend while at the hospital taking care of my mom. it’s a good thing they want daddy, that means they have a nice time. it’s comforting to know they are in good hands!
Jaina says
I’m so glad you are both okay. You really are a great storyteller.