I HATE flying. I hate airports. I hate security. I hate being 3,000 feet in the air without a net. I hate airplane food. I hate the teeny, tiny, itty, bitty bathrooms. In general I really HATE flying.

However, the one and only redeeming factor of flying has to be the magazines. I figure if I am going to be stuck up in the air sitting next to God-knows-who, I need to have as many magazines as possible to get me through the food, the turbulence, and the screaming kids (often my screaming kids).

People Magazine is my favorite. Now I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone, but I must confess, I love all of the celebrity gossip. I get a kick out of seeing what Posh is wearing or if Jessica Simpson is still hanging out with a Cowboy from Dallas. I'm not proud of it - but I really like getting the latest celebrity dirt.

So while perusing the pages of my seedy magazine, I came across a quote from Will Smith that stopped me in my tracks (with my seatbelt securely fastened). It was a brief interview, but I found his words insightful.

"While making the film 'The Pursuit of Happiness' my son Jaden, who was my costar, and I got to spend every single day, 10 to 12 hours a day, together. It became clear that whatever you have financially doesn't matter. Whatever situation you're in, it doesn't matter. You have to be there. You have to be with your child....To be able to spend that many hours a day together, our bond took off in a way that I never imagined."

I went through a similar experience with my kids. I took an entire week off of work and spent that time almost exclusively with my boys. I planned very few activities and mainly was present. Simply available to them for a game a cards, or to toss the football or watch a movie. I got to tell you - at times it wasn't easy. Let's just say playing with light sabers and watching Sponge Bob is not my idea of a swell time. I had a few breaks and slipped in an episode of Oprah once or twice. Still, I tried to stay pretty focused. I think spending time with your kids is the best way to express your love. When you demonstrate that you value and desire time with your children, they will grow up feeling secure, connected, and most importantly, loved.

By the time I had to return to work, all of us were pretty sad. Still, by far, I took it the worst. I got teary when I tucked them in to bed that night. My little one, my four-year-old, whispered to me, "Don't forget mommy, you're always in my heart."

I am about to board another plane tomorrow. I will come fully stocked with my People Magazine as well as other reads to pass the time. My kids won't be with me during this brief trip - and that makes me sad. Still, I am comforted knowing that my boys know how much their mommy loves them....I know they do because I took the time to tell them and to show them.

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