A day of transition, or, as its more affectionately known, the “descent into hell.” Yes, it’s the first day of spring break and the umpteenth day of rebellious tantrum-ing by my youngest (do I have to admit she’s mine?).

At least when school’s in session, I get that glorious morning to mid-afternoon stretch of time to remind me of my human-ness, beyond the confines of my family. The children go off to school and I gleefully skip off the schoolyard, looking ahead to the potential of the day. No whining, yelling, arguing, needling, teasing, poking, or “stop copying me!” for hours at a stretch.

I can think, and better yet I can hear myself think.

Lots of new parents lament that we (those of us who already have kids) never told them what hard work it is to have a family. But the truth is, it’s indescribable. How can you explain the unexplainable? How can you convey something so deeply ingrained into every fiber of your being? How can you express something that envelopes you totally - body, mind and soul - so completely?

So I guess I just have to “suck it up” - there’s lots more Mondays where this one came from.