I’m sorry for not being able to attend this meeting, but my child’s preschool graduation is more essential.

“Please don’t judge me for leaving the workplace at exactly 5 p.m., but my kids are at the sitter’s waiting to be picked up.”

I apologize for being late today; I had to drop the kid off at daycare at 7:45 a.m.

I’m aware that I appear distracted because I am. I have a sick toddler and am awaiting word on when I will be able to see a pediatrician.

I don’t want to appear tired when I arrive at work, but I’ve been awake since 4:30 a.m. with a crying child.

I know my eyes are glazed over, but I’ve been attempting to put a baby to sleep for the past 12 hours.

I apologize if my email came off as snippy; however, I have a 5-year-old who wept this morning because he didn’t want to go to school, and I am concerned for his safety.

Yes, I just slammed my head onto the desk. Even though this report is almost due, I received a text message stating my child has pink eye and that I need to go fetch him.

I’m aware that my eyes are swollen at the moment. I cried all night last night since I’m fatigued, rarely get alone, and haven’t had a decent shower in five years.

Sorry for cutting you off, but I’ve just spent the last hour arguing with a toddler about the importance of wearing pants to the babysitter.

I know I’m supposed to leave my personal life at the door when I go to work, but it’s difficult when you have two small children.

Thank you to everyone who has been gracious to me over the past five years.

I think I could benefit from a little self-indulgence.

It’s not easy being a full-time working parent with young children.

Thank you to all of my bosses for allowing me to take time off for doctor’s appointments, unforeseen illnesses, preschool graduations, and school lunches.

Thank you to everyone who looked the other way when I was pregnant and had to leave a meeting to puke.

Thank you to everyone who has let me know that juggling work/life/kids is a challenge for them as well.

Thank you to those who overlooked my puffy eyes, tired cheeks, and spit-up-covered clothing.

Thank you to all of the other moms that inspire me to keep going each and every day.

Thank you to those that inspire me to keep going even when I’m feeling discouraged.

Thank you to all of my coworkers that helped me out when I had to leave quickly to deal with a child emergency.

I realize I am not the only working mother in the world, but I am one, and I completely understand your situation.

I understand why you feel the need to compensate because you arrive on time and leave when the clock strikes five.

I understand if you eat lunch at your desk because you have to leave early to get a child from the sitter to the doctor, back to the sitter, and then back to the office in time for your 2 p.m. meeting.

I understand if you arrive at work looking like you were attacked by a flock of geese because the kids couldn’t find their shoes, or if you accidentally handed someone the wrong color bowl and then forgot to take Sleepy Bear to the babysitter.

I realize you’re exhausted. Probably exhausted.

But I also recognize that you are competent and deserving of so much more than you realize.

You are not forced to pick between two worlds you adore. You can have both of them. It is possible to have both a family and a career. It won’t be easy, but it’s doable.

Yes, the worlds may overlap at times, making life more difficult, but it’s worth it.

So keep going. Please don’t give up. You can do it.

And, as a side note, not everyone will get it. That’s OK.

Until we meet again,

Jamie”

The story and photos: Courtesy of Jamie Johnson