Allow me to explain how a straightforward sketch completely changed my life. My name is Harper, and it all began when I came upon a drawing that my kid had done that had both him and an unknown person. A sequence of events that altered my life irrevocably came next.
It’s never been easy for me to be apart from my family. It was intended to be a terrific professional move to work one week a month in a new location, 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 travel when I see their happy smiles waiting for me as I walk 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 cooked by Shawn, and Marcus wanted to show me his latest artwork. 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, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and my hair pulled back in an untidy bun.
With toys strewn all over the place, crayons on the floor, and stacks of papers with his different drawings, it was a normal eight-year-old’s room. I began to pick up the sketches, grinning at the rockets, dinosaurs, and family photos. Then I caught sight of it.
A sketch captioned “Myself and my new mother.” 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 lady who was clearly not me. She wore large ruby earrings and had blonde hair.
“Not at all… Would Shawn really not do that? I mumbled to myself as tears pricked my eyes. I slouched down on Marcus’s bed and gripped the photo. It was like a kick to the belly to consider that Shawn had cheated on me and introduced our son to another lady.
Just as I was ready to go into complete panic mode, I spotted something else in the photo. Marcus wrote our favorite family cafe’s name, “At Jack’s,” in his naive handwriting.
I needed to know the reality. I could not possibly dwell on this knowledge. I brushed away my tears and inhaled deeply. I required a strategy.
As I entered the living room where he was reading, I yelled out, “Hey Shawn,” trying not to stutter. “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 excellent, Harper. We haven’t visited there jointly in a long.
We went to the cafe the next day. Marcus was talking excitedly about syrup and pancakes. However, I had the impression that I was heading straight toward 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, thinking I was mistaken. Then I noticed her.
The lady shown in Marcus’ artwork. 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! What can I get today for all of you people? With a smile, she enquired.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to face Marcus, who was looking excitedly through the menu. “Honey, is that your ‘new mommy?'” I said, a little shaky in voice.
Looking up, Marcus’s eyes were wide. “That’s Jessica, yes!”
Shawn’s expression became scarlet. “How did you manage to…”
Jessica grinned even more and knelt down to meet Marcus’s level. Marcus, tell her. She must be aware of your feelings.
“Explain what you mean.” With a genuine expression of confusion, Shawn inquired.
I took the photo out of my handbag and yelled, “Oh, stop, as if you don’t know.” “Relating to this.”
Shawn was perplexed when I gave him the drawing. “That belongs to Marcus.”
As he snapped the photo, his brow furrowed. Please say it again. What’s going on?”
I had a rush of hurt and frustration. 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, let your mother know.”
Marcus raised his head to face me, honesty and perplexity mixed together in his large brown eyes. He gestured to the waitress, Jessica. “I long for her to be my mother.”
My heart fell. “But why, sweetie?”
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 like my illustrations.
Jessica knelt next to Marcus, her expression kind and perceptive. “He presented this image to me. Marcus, what did I tell you?
“To talk to Mom and let her know how I feel,” Marcus answered in a modest but real tone.
I lost the ability to contain my tears at that point. As I understood how much my small son needed me, tears flowed down my cheeks. Not only did he require his mother physically, but also emotionally. Because I was constantly on the move 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 throughout his stay here was happiness and safety.
I forced a little grin as I dried my eyes. “I’m grateful, Jessica. You’ve shown him a lot of kindness. Thank you very much.
We completed our meal, and the stress gradually dissipated. We laughed and spoke, 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 employer a call. I had to break up the business travels, and it was not an easy talk to have. Surprisingly, my supervisor was accommodating, 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. “Mom, are you really going to spend more time at home?”
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 embrace. “Mommy, you are loved.”
Marcus, you too have my affection. Above anything else in the world.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Shawn joined us, putting his arms around each of us. “Remember that we are a team? We will work together to resolve everything.
I was so at ease that night as I laid in bed with Shawn’s arms wrapped around me. I felt that as long as we were together, our family could overcome anything because we were stronger than before. The painting 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.
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