Chaos and slide decks

I pride myself on the ability to compartmentalize

To tuck away any personal challenges between the hours of 9-5 and stay focused on the work of increasing shareholder value.

But these days feel heavy.

My phone buzzes constantly with the latest update from world happening outside of Outlook and Teams calls.

Buzz. A Message from the school.

My kids had a code red drill at school today.

Remember to ask them how they feel at bedtime.

Buzz.

National Guard deployed in a new city.

Do I know anyone there? I hope everyone stays safe.  

Buzz. ICE kills mother during raid.

Daycare workers dragged out of preschools.

Look at the stuffies in the glove box.

What about the children?

Buzz.

Our teacher needs pencils and folders for the classroom.

Why don’t our schools have basic educational tools to teach our kids?

And I can’t help but wonder

How far would I go

To protect my family?

Both chosen and blood

A mother’s love knows no difference.

The ping of Teams startles me back to the moment.

I wipe a tear from the eye and wonder how much longer I can hold these two realities apart.

Mothers weren’t meant to hold the chaos of the world while making slide decks.