I wonder if I'm alone in this, but today I felt like the worst mom ever due to my own forgetfulness. Here's why: My daughter Lotte has been on crutches for two weeks after twisting her knee ligament in gym class. Our family ski trip? Canceled. For the past two weeks, I've been fully immersed in caregiver mode. Don't get me wrong—I embrace it with love for my girl. But sometimes exhaustion creeps in, or I simply forget. Like today.
This morning, I dropped Lotte off at school at 8:30, as I have every day for the past two weeks. First, I'd let the dog out (she can't wait otherwise) and fed our pigs and goats (or the pigs would squeal through the neighborhood).
Lotte was due home for lunch at noon, but since she usually stays for school lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays or eats with a friend on Thursdays, it completely slipped my mind.
At 12:10, my phone rang. "School Heijcant" appeared on the screen, and I thought, 'What's going on now?' Then I heard her voice.
Mommy?
Yes, dear?
Will you come pick me up?
Oh no! I'd totally forgotten she needed to come home for lunch!
To be honest, it's not the first time. It happens occasionally. Normally, Lotte bikes to and from school independently, while I work hard—often from home on our family farm. Still, the guilt hits hard, and I get so frustrated with myself. What mom forgets her child? Has it ever happened to you?
