I have been at my present job for a total of five years. In return, I received a certificate and a catalog to choose a gift of appreciation.
At first, I quickly flipped through the household items, and looked for a more personalized item.
A watch? I probably lose the watch.
A ring? Nah
I just get the bracelet, I thought.
I placed the catalog in the drawer. That was a few weeks ago.
This morning, I got a letter on the mail reminding me that I had not chosen the gift.
So I took the catalog again and flipped though it one more time.
No paintings, thank you, my sister’s mother in law, paints and she gave us some stellar art work.
Ok so I had decided to pick the bracelet, but now I was not so sure. Argh why do they give us some choices!!
I thought why don’t a get something more practical: a tent for my family to go our first camping trip, a telescope so I can spend time with the boys looking at the stars, a pair of binoculars so Dominik can look at the birds he loves to watch
Suddenly a bracelet did not make such sense, it might up end up in one of my baskets.
I had originally decided for the bracelet, to remind me of the hard work, the sacrifices that I made. My five year service has been a family affair and they deserve just as much as me. My boys have been hustled every morning, to go to daycare, endured numerous ear infections due to all the sharing of the germs from all the other kids. My husband has been supportive; at times adjusting his work schedule and take care of the boys so I can work extended work hours.
It is difficult to make this choice, it is indicative of my current stage in life. I am a mom; I want to create memories with my boys and husband. But I also want to PROTECT my individuality.
I asked myself
“How is a bracelet going to protect my identity, unless I am wonder woman?”
(which I think, I am at times, I even have a costume, but that is another story!!)
