Awards versus rewards

By Amanda

Sometimes when we're hoping to get accolades for our efforts in the world, we discover that our greatest rewards are right in front of us, at home. 

Recently, a very unusual event occurred in our family. My husband and I had to be out of town at the same time. This has never happened before. One of us is always with the children. On the very rare occasion when we go away together for a weekend, a grandmother or aunt stays with them. 

My husband had planned a weeklong trip with his childhood friends months prior. Then I found out that I had been nominated for an award and my company would pay for me to attend the out-of-town event. I almost immediately declined, realizing it was the same weekend he was scheduled to be away. But then I realized our nanny was more than capable and willing to keep my two girls for the night.

I shoved my cell phone in my small evening bag (foregoing things like a brush and lipstick). My colleague asked why I needed to take my phone.

"I'm a mother, that's why," I quipped.

He pointed out that I would not be able to keep the ringer on during the event, and therefore, would not know if anyone called since it would be in my purse and not on my waist vibrating. I told him I was fully aware of that fact, and that I would simply be checking my phone for messages periodically.

We were just finishing dessert and the lights were flashing to indicate that the televised award show was about to begin when I pulled my phone out of my purse. There it was, in bold black letters: "One missed call-HOME."

I panicked. A million thoughts went through my mind about what might have happened that would prompt the nanny to call in the middle of the event. I immediately slipped out of the ballroom and into a hallway. I didn't even listen to the message; I simply hit the number and pushed SEND.

"Mommy," my 7-year-old said, with tears in her voice as she answered the phone.

"What is it? What's wrong, sweetie?" I asked, as I felt my heart beating through the thin material of my formal dress.

"I want you to come home right now!" She screamed into the phone.

"Why? Is everything OK?" I said, still not clear on whether or not there was an emergency situation at my house.

"Because I miss you," she said, her voice lowering. I could imagine her lips in full pout mode and her cheeks red and sticky with tears.

"Sweetie, I'm in another state. I took an airplane to get here. I can't just come home. But I'll be home tomorrow, after lunch, will that be OK?" I said, as I heard the host of the show announcing the first award.

"I guess," she said with resignation.

"I love you and miss you too. I can't wait to see you tomorrow," I said.

"I love you too," she said with a little more cheer in her voice. "I hope you win, Mommy."

"I already did sweetie, I already did," I said and I meant it.

Amanda lives in North Carolina with her husband and two daughters.    

Comments

[Kristy]

Your post brought tears to my eyes. So sweet! Thanks for sharing!

[Amelie]

so sweet! Truly a winner.

[Karen]

Definitely, you're the winner. Wonderful post!

[amy h.]

What a nice post, Amanda - congratulations on BOTH of your wins!!!