Today started off on the wrong foot. After dragging myself out of bed and into a steamy shower, I somehow managed to spray hairspray all over my face. It was as unpleasant as it sounds—like sipping on crushed aspirin mixed with bits of metal. Gazing in the mirror, I can’t help but cringe at my hair roots. How much gray is peeking through these days? Twenty percent? Maybe thirty? My skin is parched, yet I have random breakouts on my cheeks. Ugh. I really need to step up my self-care game. But that’s a worry for another time; I have to power through today.
It’s preschool day, and of course, we’re late. I put bread in the toaster oven, only to realize ten minutes later that I forgot to turn it on. In a frenzy, I toss some cereal to the kids and pop an ibuprofen into my mouth. With my husband’s help, we finally manage to herd everyone out the door and into the car.
Driving is a challenge when your neck feels like it’s stuck in a vice. I turn on the radio for some distraction, but instead, I’m met with an overly cheerful tune. Seriously? I could really use some Alanis Morissette right now.
After dropping off the twins at preschool, I head home with my two-year-old. The ibuprofen on an empty stomach has left my lips numb, but the pain in my neck is still a constant reminder every time I hit the gas or brake. I catch my little one’s sweet gaze in the rearview mirror and silently apologize for the many episodes of Daniel Tiger I’ll be playing instead of heading to playgroup today. I just need a break.
Then, the radio blasts out a cheerful guy singing about how today is “gonna be the best day of [his] li-i-i-i-i-i-iiiife.” Really? He sounds so young. How can he know this? I can’t help but think how unfortunate it would be if 50 years’ worth of days were all overshadowed by this single one.
And that leads me to a more alarming thought. Do I sound ancient? This young singer and I could be the same age, but while he’s celebrating the best day of his life, I feel like a jaded old soul with a stiff neck. Maybe I should start buying beige slacks and shaking my fist at the kids speeding past my house.
But then it hits me: Have I already experienced the best day of my life? If so, when was it? And if not, will I even recognize it when it arrives? Do any of us truly know?
As I ponder my life’s highlights, I recall the thrilling days of falling in love with my husband, which were amazing but fleeting. The day my child was born was monumental, yet exhausting and painful. It wouldn’t be fair to tell my youngest daughter, “Your birth was great, but your sisters’ arrivals were the best days.”
Vivid memories flash through my mind: savoring Turkish Delight in a London market; admiring the stunning blue view from the top of a hill on a small Maine island; enjoying perfect soup next to a crackling fireplace amidst the lush, green Scottish woods. I’m fortunate to have had many wonderful days. While it’s possible my best day has already passed, I remain optimistic that something even better lies ahead. Life would feel incomplete without something to anticipate.
So, what would “the best day” look like for me now, as a grown-up with responsibilities? Would it involve my children, or would it be a rare, blissful escape without them? Would I prefer the comfort of home or an adventure in a breathtaking location? Can you even plan for a day like that, or does it just come along as a delightful surprise?
One thing’s clear: today isn’t the day. But tomorrow just might be. So, I’m treating myself to some luxurious face serum, getting my roots done, and seeking help for this neck pain. I want to be prepared for more amazing days ahead, no matter what they look like. I raise the volume on the cheerful song playing and remind myself that while today may not be the best day of my life, it’s certainly not the worst. And I’m definitely not ready to start wearing beige slacks.
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Summary:
This lighthearted reflection explores a chaotic day in the life of a mom who grapples with the notion of the “best day” amidst the challenges of parenting. Despite feeling overwhelmed and cynical, she contemplates her past joyful moments and remains hopeful for future happiness, while recognizing that today may not be the pinnacle of her life.