Apart from all the amazing-ness that is Japan, one thing this trip inadvertently did was allow me to be Hilary Sledge again. Not the mom or the wife, but just me. All those things now define me and I love it, but every now and then, every woman needs the chance just to hang with her friends and let loose a little. And also not to feel guilty about it. It will make me a better mom and wife. Don’t get me wrong, I think I was in bed by 11 every night of this trip so it wasn’t exactly moms gone wild, but it was refreshing to spend quality time with some work friends and make them even closer friends. To be a bit selfish and do exactly what I wanted to do.
Dinner in Kyoto with Andrew and Bianca
I will certainly be more present when I get home. It has left me refreshed and even more thankful for my amazing husband and kids. Thankful my husband could hold it down while mommy had a nine day business trip (with some side travels). Happy I will have amazing stories, photos and videos of my travels to share with my children. Don’t get me wrong, being away for this long wasn’t easy, every time I FT the kids I shed a couple tears after. But I know they are fine – happy, thriving and surrounded by love. I missed Lateef immensely – there were so many times when I wished he could have been here experienced Japan with me. But we just have to plan a trip back, which is definitely definitely happening.
Upon walking through the door, I got the best hug ever.
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