Can I go to fencing practice this week? my husband asks. Sure, I reply. After checking the online family calendar, he reports that my work meeting and his practice are scheduled for the same time. Bonus? We will be on different floors of the same building. Why don’t you drive the kids into the city in the new car and I will watch them during your meeting, he says.
Over the last week, I have been slowly cleaning out our old car. The two older kids no longer need carseats. When I remove the seats, I discover layers of grime and cheerios on the bench beneath them.
I am determined to avoid making a mess in the new car. After thoroughly sanitizing the old car and dropping it off at the auto body shop to repair exterior damage, I purchase seat protectors. And then? I tuck the loveys belonging to all three kids into pouches that keep them safe and clean, up and away from the muddy floor.
Ten years ago, fencing practice was part of my weekly routine. I would drive into Manhattan, aiming to arrive at the beginning of free evening street parking. Meet my husband at practice. Then drive home together.
I thought that part of my life was over. To be able to bring my children along, and to watch them practice with some of the top athletes in the country? Is a priceless gift.
Kathy Zucker is an international social media Shorty Award winner, mother of three and a startup founder at companies including the Metro Moms Network®.
