In the moment

Being in the right place at the right time

When I was in NY last week, I needed to be a mom.  Even when you think your children are grown-up and you’re no longer needed, something unexpected happens when you are still needed…and I am so glad I could be there for that moment.

As a parent, one of the hardest things is to see your child disappointed.  You just want to take away their pain and quickly mend their broken hearts. I have personally learned so much more from my own failures than successes, but as a mom, I want things to be better and easier for my daughter. I know that failures are just part of growing up and part of life itself, but it still hurts to watch from the sidelines. 

Last week, our daughter Allison got her first real “rejection” in the business world. She found out that she did not get the job she REALLY wanted at another television network and was heartbroken.  I was at a business meeting in New Jersey, but got an email during the day asking if I was going to be back in New York later that evening.  I had a business dinner to attend, but I also knew this was one of those rare occasions where I could be with her at a time when she really needed me to be a confidant, a mom, a friend.  I decided to skip the dinner to spend time with her.  I am so glad that I did.

Life is filled with special moments that we don’t want to miss, especially when they’re unexpected.  How lucky was I to be in New York that day and not 3,000 miles away at home…so I could be there for her in one of those extraordinary moments.

Barbara

By blogger Barbara Adachi, Deloitte LLP

Comments

[Iqra Malik]

As I read your post, I could not help but be sad and happy at the same time, which makes me conclude that even through these tough times, if we as parents, daughters, sons, friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, coworkers, etc. can all just be with eachother and provide an increasing amount of support, we can get through! Thanks for sharing your story!

[Mary Walker]

Hi Barbara -- your post reminded me that you don't necessarily have to be around all the time, if you're there & paying attention some of the time. I live in California & my elderly parents are back in Texas. I fly to see them 3-4 times a year (and it's not quick or easy to get to my home town) and that effort makes a huge difference in our relationship & connectedness.

In the big picture, it's not that much time or money, but it can feel hard to do when trying to schedule it around work commitments...but every time I'm tempted to skip it, I remember past visits when it's turned out to be invaluable that I was there.

So I'm agreeing with you, that it feels really good to know that "you were there" when it was one of those important moments.

[Claudia Villagrana]

It is always hard to decide between bussiness and family especially when you are a women and get critized even if not directly. As a new mom I have learned how important being with my little one is.
Great article.
Happy Mothers Day!

[Wendy]

Barbara - as we approach Mother's day, your blog is so appropriate. No matter how old we get, we always appreciate our moms. Mother's and daughters have such a special relationship with each other that transends age. Having your mom with you at such a trying time can make a big difference. I'm glad you were able to share that time with your daughter.