A mother's state of mind is not something to be assessed late in the evening (after her bedtime) when the kid is upset because she doesn't want to go to day care on her day off from school, is working on her own day off, hasn't had a conversation of more than a few sentences with her husband all weekend, and feels she really has not been a good friend.

Trust me, it won't look pretty if you do.

It will look like two working parents, after school activities, and just enough time for homework after dinner; childhood memories, parental expectations and a commitment to always be there when your daughter needs you; fast food, dinners on the fly, and setting a good example (or not); I take thee, see you tomorrow (or when the kid grows up), and love you on the go. 

The thoughts swirl and spin and although she tries to pull them out of the depths and into words to share, they come out as only simple statements of fact: we need to eat better, exercise, and be home together more.

Doubt. It's a slippery slope and what is needed in these moments is a dose of reality. The kid doesn't want to go to daycare. That's the reality of it all. Nothing more, nothing less. 

And enough to send this mother into a somewhat peaceful slumber.