It’s never been easy for me to be apart from my family.
It was intended to be a terrific career move to work one week a month in a new city, but I’m missing my kid Marcus and my husband Shawn more than I ever imagined.
It always seems like coming home after a long, tiring journey when I see their happy faces waiting for me as I step off that plane.
It was the same this time around.
I got home late on Friday night, and everyone hugged and kissed me. My favorite lasagna was made by Shawn, and Marcus wanted to show me his latest drawing. My heart grew full of contentment and love. I had no idea that was about to change.
On Saturday morning, I made the decision to clean. I headed to Marcus’s room, a cup of coffee in one hand and my hair pulled back in a disheveled bun.
With toys strewn all over the place, crayons on the floor, and stacks of papers with his different drawings, it was a typical eight-year-old room. I began to pick up the sketches, grinning at the rockets, dinosaurs, and family photos. Then I caught sight of it.
A sketch with the title “Me and my new Mommy.” My heart gave out. A NEW MAMA? I was staring at the photo with trembling hands. I recognized Marcus; he was beaming, holding hands with a woman who was clearly not me. She wore large red earrings and had blonde hair.
“No way… Shawn wouldn’t… would he?” I felt tears stinging in my eyes as I whispered to myself. I clutched the picture and slouched down on Marcus’s bed. It was like a kick to the gut to consider that Shawn had cheated on me and introduced our son to another lady.
Just as I was about to go into complete panic mode, I spotted something else in the photo.
It was Marcus, writing in his naive way, our favorite family cafe, “At Jack’s.”
I needed to know the reality. I could not possibly sit on this knowledge. I brushed away my tears and inhaled deeply. I required a strategy.
“Hey Shawn,” I said, attempting to maintain my composure as I entered the living room where he was reading. “Maybe tomorrow we should go out to brunch? At Jack’s, perhaps?”
With a smile on his face, Shawn raised his gaze from his book. “That’s fantastic, Harper. We haven’t visited there jointly in a long.”
We went to the cafe the following day. Marcus was talking excitedly about syrup and pancakes. However, I had the impression that I was heading straight for disaster. My thoughts were always racing over meeting this enigmatic “new mommy” and the potential consequences for our family.
When we got to the cafe, my heart was racing as I looked around the space. I attempted to appear normal as we sat at our customary table, but my thoughts were anything but. I looked around a bit more, hoping I was mistaken. Then I noticed her.
The lady depicted in Marcus’ drawing. She wore those same ruby earrings and had the same blonde hair. Serving coffee on a tray, she was a waitress and saw us practically right away. My stomach contorted into a ball.
She smiled warmly as she came over to our table.
“Happy morning! With a smile, she said, “What can I get for you folks today?”
Taking a deep breath, I turned to face Marcus, who was looking excitedly through the menu.
“Honey, is that your ‘new mommy?'” My voice trembled a little as I asked.
Looking up, Marcus’s eyes were wide. “Yes, that’s Jessica!”
Shawn’s expression became scarlet. “How did you…”
Jessica grinned even more and knelt down to meet Marcus’s level. Marcus, tell her. She must be aware of your feelings.”
“What do you mean?” With a genuine expression of confusion, Shawn asked.
“Oh, please stop acting like you don’t know,” I snapped as I took the photo out of my handbag. “About this.”
Shawn appeared perplexed when I gave him the drawing. “It’s Marcus'”
As he snapped the photo, his brow furrowed.
“Please repeat this. What’s taking place?”
I had a rush of hurt and frustration. While cleaning Marcus’s room yesterday, I came across this. I had to find out more as soon as I noticed this cafe’s name. She became known as Marcus’s “new mommy.”
But Shawn shook his head and replied, “But it’s nonsense.” He turned to face Marcus, trying not to speak too loudly. “Marcus, buddy, tell your mom.”
Marcus raised his head to face me, honesty and perplexity mixed together in his large brown eyes.
He gestured to the waitress, Jessica. “I wish she were my mommy.”
My heart fell. “But why, honey?”
Marcus looked at Jessica, who nodded encouragingly in his direction. “You’re constantly absent.
But I have Jessica’s kindness. She delivers me pancakes adorned with amusing faces. She finds my drawings appealing.”
Jessica knelt next to Marcus, her expression gentle and perceptive. “He showed this image to me. Marcus, what did I tell you?”
“To talk to Mom and let her know how I feel,” Marcus said in a modest but genuine tone.
I lost the ability to control my tears at that point. As I understood how much my small son needed me, tears flowed down my face.
Not only did he require his mother physically, but also emotionally. Because I was constantly on the go and working, he turned to someone else for solace.
I bent down and embraced Marcus tightly, feeling his little arms envelop me. “Baby, I’m so sorry. I had no idea that you felt this way. I swear I’ll perform better.
Shawn softened his voice and rested a hand on my shoulder. Harper, you’re a wonderful mother. All we have to do is figure out how to make this work.
I nodded while continuing to hug Marcus. “I’ll speak with my manager. If need be, I’ll stop going on these vacations.
Marcus, you are more important than my work. I’ll be here for you, I swear.”
Jessica got up to give us some room. “I apologize if I went too far. All I wanted for Marcus to have while he was here was happiness and safety.”
I forced a tiny grin as I dried my tears.
“I’m grateful, Jessica. You’ve shown him such kindness. Thank you very much.
We completed our brunch, and the stress gradually dissipated. We laughed and chatted, and I had a newfound feeling of direction. No matter what, I had to be there for my family.
As soon as we arrived home, I gave my boss a call. I had to break up the business travels, and it was not an easy conversation to have. Surprisingly, my boss was understanding, and we came to a new agreement that allowed me to spend more time at home.
Marcus smiled drowsily at me as I tucked him into bed that evening. “Are you really going to be home more, Mommy?”
With love in my heart, I kissed his forehead. “Yes, my dear. Every day, I will be here with you. No more protracted travel.”
He gave me a strong hug. “I love you, Mommy.”
Marcus, you too have my affection. Above all else in the world.”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Shawn joined us, putting his arms around each of us.
“Remember that we are a team? We’ll work together to resolve everything.”
I felt so at ease that night as I lay in bed with Shawn’s arms wrapped around me. I knew that as long as we were together, our family could overcome anything because we were stronger than before. The drawing that had made me afraid now served as a helpful reminder of the value of being in the now.
I vowed to myself after that day to always prioritize my family. Because our love for one another was greater than any employment, regardless of importance.
Returning home after a grueling work trip, I was welcomed with warmth and joy by my family, only to be struck by an unsettling discovery: a drawing by my son, Marcus, featuring a “new mommy” who was not me. The image initially filled me with dread, suspecting infidelity and betrayal.
However, the true story unfolded at a local café, where I learned that Jessica, the waitress, had become a comforting presence for Marcus during my frequent absences.
The revelation that Marcus had been seeking solace from Jessica due to my constant work-related travel was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. As I listened to Marcus’s feelings and Jessica’s kindness, I realized how crucial my presence was for my son. My husband Shawn and I discussed how to address this issue, leading me to reassess my work commitments.
Determined to prioritize my family, I negotiated with my employer to reduce travel and spend more time at home. The newfound balance allowed me to embrace my role as a mother more fully and strengthened our family bond. As Marcus nestled into bed, reassured by my promise to be present, and Shawn’s supportive embrace, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
This experience reaffirmed my commitment to my family, reminding me that no job could ever surpass the importance of being there for those I love. The drawing that once caused anxiety had transformed into a powerful reminder of what truly matters.