Leaving the baby

The trip to Mexico was the first I had taken since the baby was born last year, and it was also the first time I’d ever left her for more than a few hours. Kissing her goodbye and walking out the door was hard and there was a pang, too, getting off the plane and realising I’m five hours away if anyone needs me.
But it was not all heartache and tears: I had time to finish reading a magazine I bought in May but hadn’t had time to read, learnt how to tie a tourniquet and what to do when a protest turns nasty, even drank wine (!).
The security training we covered while in the mountains is so important, I’m very thankful to have had the chance to do it.