19 Comments
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Roisin  Horgan's avatar

Such fantastic writing! I can relate to so many parts of your day starting with the cupcakes that nobody understands… the panic in the laneway and the feeling of being alone in a crowd!! Your daughter looked amazing, the cupcakes yummy and asking for assistance to get out of a tight spot, highly recommend!! And you remembered the key under the mat! I think you rocked!

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

Well thank you for this. This feels like a really positive spin on formal day 2023. Glad it resonated! And I do have to say I was pleased about remembering that key…

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linda reynolds's avatar

Oh dear! A day to remember- but not for good reasons Deborah! As mothers we often strive for perfection but, unfortunately, not always appreciated. Maybe you should have got stuck into the Cremant earlier in the day and preferably from a glass, then ordered taxis to transport those happy carefree teenagers up that lane!! 😉🤣

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

I wish I had done that Linda! It would have made everything a lot easier!

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R M Doherty-Allan's avatar

Nail. Head. Hit. Completely relatable and comforting to know that I'm not alone in these types of mothering experiences!

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

Thanks Rosina, you are most definitely not on your own...

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Jono Pierce's avatar

I felt so sorry for you after reading this. I'm often the one who scoots out the door leaving my wife to deal with the chaos. Powerful writing.

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

Thank you Jono! Mind you in retrospect I think I was doing a lot of feeling sorry for myself too on formal day 2023!

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Jono Pierce's avatar

It sounded like a very stressful day. The perfect storm of circumstances conspiring against you. Here's to a better week ahead!

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Julie Hoey's avatar

Totally relatable. I remember moments like these when I was on my own (husband working in another place). This too shall pass...

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one! Maybe at some point I'll get to travel with my husband when the girls are able to look after themselves!

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Jules's avatar

Great relatable writing. We try so hard as mum's to make these perfect moments which go unappreciated!

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

I think that nails it - it’s the lack of appreciation that tips me over the edge!

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Sarah Burke's avatar

I always think the Oreo one is the best one so hopefully there’s an analogy there! Great piece of writing, so hard doing things on your own but you did so take the win from that

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

Thank you Sarah. The husband has promised I will not be on my own for the whole month of December which is a real win! Teenagers can be such hard work. I sometimes think I’d take toddlers again...

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Karen Reid's avatar

I loved reading this article! Your description of the stress during a meltdown was so relatable and highly humorous, we've all been there at some point. Hope the teenagers enjoyed their evening and you the cupcake xo

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

Thank you! I think I enjoyed slugging that bottle of bubbles! The teenagers had a great time. I think at that age parents with their notions and questions mainly get in the way!

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Cathy's avatar

They all look so young, fresh & optimistic. I think you need a manny Deborah! Put yourself first & you'll have better days ahead. Everyone will get used to fending for themselves.

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Deborah Sloan's avatar

A manny would be lovely! Yes I am definitely trying that putting myself first....

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