Oct. 6, 2023
Did I…
- Lock the door?
- Grab the juice cup?
- Find my keys?
- Unplug my straightener?
- Pick up my wallet?
- Pack enough snacks?
- Bring a change of clothes?
Checking my pockets for my keys, I rummage through the bag for the juice cup, spare clothes, snacks, and my wallet. I step out of the car to double-check the door. Of course, it’s locked. It always is! I unlock it to dash to the bathroom and confirm the straightener is unplugged. Yes, it is. I lock the door again, only to turn back halfway to the car to check if it’s secure. Yep, still locked.
Did I…
- Send his shoes along?
- Pack his toy cars for playtime?
- Text to see how he’s doing?
- Leave his sippy cup in the car?
During my lunch break, I make a quick trip to the parking lot to search for shoes, toy cars, and the sippy cup. Nothing! That’s a relief. I glance at my messages and realize I haven’t texted yet. I hesitate, not wanting to come off as the overbearing mom, but finally decide it’s been long enough and send a message anyway. Throughout the day, I keep checking my phone, listening for that notification—because let’s face it, we all have a bit of the helicopter mom in us.
Did I…
- Send that last important email?
- Shut off my office light?
- Extinguish the candle?
- Notify my boss that I’d be late tomorrow?
I replay the last few minutes of my work day in my mind, visualizing myself turning off the light and texting a coworker to check the candle. Worry creeps in—did I send that email? I dwell on it for a minute before deciding I’ll just check when I get back in the morning. I text my boss to remind him about my late start.
Did I…
- Peek in on him in his crib?
- Ensure he’s breathing comfortably?
- Check all his little limbs to make sure nothing is caught in the bars?
- Pack his bag for tomorrow?
- Prepare his juice cup?
- Spend enough time playing with him?
- Shower him with kisses?
- Tell him I love him enough?
I quietly get up from the laundry and tiptoe to his room, shining a flashlight on his chest to check his breathing. He seems fine, hands comfortably above his head. Phew! I notice a foot wedged between the bars and gently move it to safety, holding my breath as he shifts again. Remembering our tickle fights and our dance sessions to “Ring Around the Rosie,” I smile while matching socks, cherishing those sweet kisses as he drifts off to sleep. I remind myself that as a mom, love is boundless—even on days I feel it’s lacking. I finish the laundry, crawl into bed, and say my prayers.
Did I lock the door?
Throwing the covers back, I tiptoe to the living room, check the door. Yes, it’s locked. It always is.
I return to bed, take a deep breath, and try to get some rest for tomorrow’s round of “Did I…?”
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Summary:
Every mom experiences that overwhelming feeling of questioning whether she did everything necessary for her child throughout the day. From checking the door locks to making sure toys and snacks are ready, the anxious thoughts can pile up. It’s a reminder that despite the worries, love is always present, and all moms do their best to care for their little ones.