My husband is in healthcare and is fortunate to still have a job. He has begun returning to seeing patients safely at work, and eagerly anticipated serving Acadiana’s eye care needs at his best capacity soon.

At the beginning of quarantine, when all elective surgeries were canceled and clinical services were reduced, the stresses of providing for our family, the employees at his clinic, and continuing to serve his patients in a safe way was visible on his face. Honestly, it was palpable in the air around him.

Slowly things settled into our new normal, he was home most of the day every day, and life was good. He is the do-er in our house. He is the fun parent. He is wild and crazy. His spontaneity and energy allow me to do what I am best at: the mundane necessities to keep the house going. Things like meal-planning, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and scheduling approximately 1,253 Zoom meetings for my children.

But, being home with the kids began to wear him DOWN. Imagine that, right? Shocker.

And while I was bummed that Mr. Peppy was fading, MAN was it validating to know that

THEY CAN BREAK HIM TOO!

Like there is not some magic resilience he has to withstand the constant chatter and noise that is a home with four small children.

It’s his time AWAY.

So this week, work picked back up again, and VOILA — Mr. Pep is back. Like it took a DAY of being away for him to feel rejuvenated. Maybe some of that is his feeling that he is fulfilling a portion of his vocation while at work, but I think a lot of it is the feeling of humanity and control you get from being in YOUR own work environment in which YOU are a RESPECTED expert.

Because at home, “we can’t get no respect, no respect at all” — Rodney Dangerfield

So Mamas, here’s to US, DAMNIT!!!

To the day-in, day-out, 24 hours, 7 days, always-on, never off women who are HANDLING LIFE LIKE BOSSES! Who change the diapers, and wipe the butts. Who fix 1290348564948 snacks in a day. Who know to put peanut butter on the wrong slice of the end of bread so it’s hidden from your kids and they will EAT THE DAMN SANDWICH. Who are planning meals based off of what’s in their pantries and mourn the ease of a night of takeout. Who are EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME.

You are seen. You are loved. You are AMAZING!!