Back from the Dead

I know that the title seems a little dramatic, but it is actually more true than not when I look back over the past few months. I have been MIA because I have been totally overwhelmed by my life - work, the holidays, husband, baby, sick baby, sick husband, sick me. It's just been more than I could handle, to tell you the truth.
But this past weekend, my sisters, mom, my best friend and her sister and mother all attended an event called Mom's Day Out in Southern California put on by an organization called Hearts at Home. I was very skeptical when my sister sent me the information. My cynicism got me thinking it was going to be some over-the-top Christian revival that put working moms in the same category as a terroist. I even sent them a snippy email asking if they were going to try and talk me into quitting my job and staying home. What do you think, am I a little strung out???
I can honestly say that it was the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. As a result, I honestly feel, probably since I first found out that I was pregnant, that I found a piece of myself again. Like I said, I know that sounds dramatic, and it wasn't that this conference mainfested a miracle right here in Corona, but the whole day was spent reminding me that I am not alone on this motherhood rollercoaster ride. All week I have been on a "retreat high" Who knew a day away, first learning about myself as wife and mother, followed by a fun afternoon of wine tasting, dinner out, and a movie (I can't tell you the last time I was in a theatre) with some really special women in my life could have such an enormous impact on me. That day away taught me how important it is to refuel myself, and my mom, sisters and friends all said the same thing. In fact, my best friend, Niki, told me it's the only reason her husband is still alive this week. She said this as she was packing up for a family skiing trip as he was out hunting for snow chains at 9:00pm the night before they were leaving.
Cassie's almost 11 months old now and it has got me thinking over the last year. I'm amazed by her. She is my hearts joy. She is my biggest challenge. What a ride...and to think it has only just begun.