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Marian Schembari's avatar

Woof. The timing of this could not be more perfect. I just found out that I got into my dream writing residency, fully-funded, and it of course begins on my daughter's sixth birthday. I haven't quite landed in a place where I don't feel guilty, but I also didn't even question NOT going. I'm going. Of course I'm going. AND I'll make a huge deal about my daughter's birthday before and after I leave, pulling her out of school to play hooky at our local amusement park. My husband is also perfectly capable of being her mother. He'll happily plan her party and be there for her on the day, and that is its own victory.

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Tina Rowley's avatar

In addition to the beautiful mothering you’re giving your daughter right now, you’re also giving her a profound gift that she’ll unwrap over the long term: a mom that will never quietly resent her for going full-bore after her dreams. Maybe she can’t cash that check right now but later on she’ll feel that wealth. You can’t fake genuine, unfettered cheerleading and support. That’s the fruit of a psyche that’s allowed itself to fully thrive, you know what I mean?

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