flip flops aren't always vacation appropriate

I traveled to Florida as a single parent with only four of my five children. My husband had Coast Guard commitments, but was able to join us for a whopping 40 hours this weekend. My oldest was enjoying spring trip with the high school marching band. We will have approximately four hours today as a family.

Having my husband with us gave me divine peace and happiness with interruptions of dread and sadness. Happiness he had time to be with us, sadness for what small amount of time it would be. In the middle of a magical moment, I'd fret over the pain I'll feel when he leaves.

My emotional flip flop exhausted me, so why allow it to happen? No one can define my mood - except ME!

Ironically, through a subject-specific maze of internet sites that began with a quick peek at the horoscope to an article on adoption to the rocketing discovery of Brene´Brown, my understanding of banning flip flops was validated. Halting the negative thoughts would allow the joyful experience occurring all around me to "fill my reservoir with what I need for when the hard things happen."

I am grateful. Grateful for all that follows and much more:

• my 5 children (even if 2 of them are literally bouncing off of the hotel beds and walls right now)
• the opportunity to see my oldest growing into an outstanding young man (and to see him march down Main Street USA)
• my mini-vacation with my 4 youngest children (and sit in awe of my oldest daughter who recognized my frustrations with the twins and counteracted with happiness)
• sharing an adventure with my husband's family (3 moms + 6 kids = complex, LOL)
• being together as a family and embracing the completeness of what is felt from literally a few hours while letting the worries and fears find no home with us

No flip flops for me! Only joy and happiness!