Hi Hazel
I'm a single parent as well, and know that it's a very lonely place. The love between myself and my daughters is strong and wonderful, but it's not the same as having another adult care about me... I do the same as you: count my blessings. I like your balloon analogy -- my girls are what keep me anchored to the earth, and without them I'm sure that I'd be quite happy to float off into oblivion.
Will it ever stop? Perhaps not, but it will change. The people at your work will get used to you being back and will forget that you were ever gone. It's like a bereavement -- people are often uncomfortable and awkward at first, until they understand that you aren't going to break down into tears in front of them. Heaven forbid we demonstrate emotion in the workplace! So pull out whatever patience you have, and give them what they need so that they can get over their awkwardness and you can have some normal back.
Cherished -- that's my word too. I want to be cherished by someone. As single parents, we have to give out so much and always be so strong... It's not selfish at all to wish to be cherished, and maybe someday we will be. In the meantime, we count our blessings.
Not much wisdom, but I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.
