It had been a crazy day. I suppose I was feeling overwhelmed and a bit sorry for myself one evening after dealing with not only a daily routine of laundry, dishes, carpooling, grocery shopping and making dinner but breaking up several arguments between the boys that particular rainy afternoon. My bad attitude was easily detected by my observant husband or maybe he finally got the hint when I slammed a cabinet door that didn't close like it should one too many times. Anyway, he suggested that I go up stairs take a nice hot bubble bath and have some uninterrupted alone time. I thought that was a great idea besides it would give him some time with our nine year old twin sons and they did need help with their homework.

Smile on my face and a big sense of relief I made myself a nice cup of hot tea, chose a month old magazine I hadn't read yet and headed up stairs. Although, at first I hesitated I decided to lock the bedroom door so that the boys wouldn't walk in on me. Even if they needed to tell me something important their dad was with them. I knew he could handle whatever situation, should one arise I reasoned, besides what could possibly go wrong I asked myself. I turned on some nice music and began to run the water. I closed the bathroom door as well what the heck I thought as I prepared for my alone time.

After becoming a mother I have learned to really appreciate the simple things in life so it was wonderful sipping my tea and listening to soft music playing in the background without feeling rushed. Before I knew it my stress was gone. In the meantime the Cub Scout leader had called regarding some information he needed for the boys next pack meeting. A simple question is what he asked but a question my husband didn't have the answer for. He asked the man to wait for a moment while he ran upstairs to ask me but the bedroom door was locked, he couldn't get in and I couldn't hear him. I was in heaven. I was soaking in a tub filled with huge fragrant bubbles and listening to a romantic love song by candle light. My husband knocked on the door several times calling out my name. Soon the boys had joined him. They too pounded on the door screaming, " Mom, mom." I swear I hadn't heard a thing. I was relaxing. I was enjoying my uninterrupted alone time, doing what my husband had suggested that I do. I had married a wonderful man I knew as I dramatically lifted my right foot up out of the steamy water and onto the edge of the tub. What more could a girl ask for after a hectic day like mine had been. I really had married a considerate man I thought now feeling somewhat guilty for slamming the cabinet door earlier. I scooped up a hand full of bubbles and blew them across the tub.

Within minutes my husband barged into the room screwdriver in one hand hammer in the other followed by our sons "We thought you drowned." The boys cried. "Don't ever lock the door again. Didn't you hear us calling you?" My husband shouted over my nice music. "No. I said still in shock although calm. I paused. "Well what is it that you wanted to know?" I asked. "Oh no!" my husband continued. "The Cub Scout leader is still on the phone." The boys followed him as he ran back down stairs. I slipped my head under the warm water held my breath for a moment then came up for air. Another thing I have learned since becoming a mom is that I will take the alone time I can when I can and be thankful for whatever amount I get.

Learn more about this author, Judy Kowalsky.
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