This is motherhood in its simplest, most beautiful form. And it is something each of us can give, even in our most exhausted and depleted moments…

My mother was the queen of tradition-making. She worked to keep the main Gift of Christmas the main gift of our attention. But in all the activities, she recognized the simple power of connection.

“Mom, what is Thanksgiving?” His question came from the backseat. I can’t recall what, exactly, I was talking about. But that word caught his attention. His question caught my own. And I didn’t know whether or not to be upset.

The constant ding of her tablet, sitting on the table in front of her, was a relentless distraction from our meal. That is, until she turned the device toward her husband, and I realized…

“I just need to get away from the kids.” I had told him, blotchy face and runny nose, swollen belly.

Traveling with kids is never easy or cheap. We invested seven weeks that we will never get back–but I wouldn’t want them back.