It's Not Ok

I'm not exactly sure where to even start with this.  Why don't I start by saying, there isn't much that can upset me or make me mad.  I can usually let a lot of things roll of my back but what happened tonight is still making me unbelievably mad and sad at the same time.  I'm going to try not to make this about me because I'm not the only victim in this story...

I worked a long day today and all I could think about was getting a great workout in.  I was sooo looking forward to conquering the Nike Training Club 45 min workouts. So when I finally did get off work, S, E and I packed up and headed to the gym.  When we got there S (the hubs) went off to workout and I went to drop E off at the nursery.  What I found when I opened the door alarmed me and quite frankly pissed me off. 

There on the lap of the girl who monitors the nursery was a kid about E's age (1-2) wearing gloves with a very obvious infected eye.  What do you think it was?!  All I could think was pink eye.  Why in the world would the kid be wearing gloves? Oh yeah, and he was rubbing his eye profusely.  I sat there for a minute, holding E still, asking the girl who watches the kids, what his story was.  She didn't know and just said her dad had dropped him off a few minutes earlier.  So I made the executive decision to skip my highly anticipated workout and leave. Oh and by the way, I tried to take E for a run when we got home and had to stop after 1 mile because he got stung by something.  Yeah, one of those days but I digress.  I wasn't about to let E run around there with that kid.  What's worse is you could tell the kid was uncomfortable.  I felt terrible for him.  So I'm writing that parent a letter and if you've ever done this, you might want to read it too:

Dear Parents:

Let me first remind you that above all else, we are parents.  We are moms and dads of children who count on us to do what's in their best interest even if that means we sacrifice. 

I get it, believe me I get it. I'd like to think I'm as dedicated of a fitness enthusiast as the next but I also know where my priorities are and my family ALWAYS comes first.  I know it's not fair, it's not fun but when you have a child that obviously needs to be home, in bed, that's what you do.  What you don't do is take him to a public place where he feels uncomfortable and can put other children at risk.  That is extremely selfish and insensitive of you.  It saddens me to think about that child. 

Please know that it is ok to miss a workout, a run or whatever else it is.  If you need to know it's ok, consider me granting you permission to skip. As a mother of a child who has been to the ER 5 times in the 19 months he has been alive, I know it's possible to take a little time off and still get back into a rhythm.  You're dedicated, you'll bounce back when the time is right but take care of your family first. 

Hopefully this has made you think, given you a little gut check even.  Get your priorities straight. There is life outside our fitness regimes and you need to get with the program.

Sincerely,
Me