My first solo trip

When I first contemplated taking a five-day-trip away from my family, I was about 99 percent sure it was out of the question. To start, I had never really travelled alone, so that would be a new experience. Secondly, the thought of being away from my daughter (OK, and my husband Scott) for five days seemed like an impossible mission. When I told Scott about the opportunity that I was going to pass up, he called me crazy. “Go!” he said. “We will be fine without you.” That, I knew. But would I be fine without them?

I made the decision to venture out on my own. Leading up to my departure date, I felt bad for Scott. Not because he wouldn’t be travelling with me, but because of the offers to help with Eleanor that came pouring in. Friends and family said they would cook meals, babysit or anything else he needed. Slightly insulted, he politely declined offers.

I wasn’t worried about him and Eleanor being alone for five days. As my sister so sensitively put it: “Um, doesn’t Scott do about 80 percent of the parenting anyway?” While that is not completely accurate, I am lucky enough to have a husband that drops Eleanor at daycare and picks her up everyday. Then he gets dinner going before I am home for work. He would be more than fine single-parenting for less than a week.

With a carry-on only (I was very proud of that), I bid farewell to my little family and headed for the airport (thanks for the ride at 4 am, Dad). I was nervous (but very excited) and I felt like I missed them already.

I arrived safely in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Ocean Club West would be my home away from home for five days. As I entered the suite in the resort, my mind was blown away. It was a two-bedroom, three-bathroom condo-like space, with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, spacious living room and dining area, and massive balcony. I felt little in such large quarters. It was quiet. How could I possibly make it through five days of such solitude?

That evening, I FaceTimed Scott and Eleanor on my iPad…and cried. I kept thinking how much fun it would be to have them with me. I’d like to say that I kept my mind focused on them during my whole trip, but after that burst of emotion, I basically forgot I even had a family.

Nutrition (per serving): 151 calories, 3 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 7 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 333 mg sodium

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, April 2014.

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