I feel like a bad mother...

So today I chose work over Maya's holiday party at daycare. I guess I didn't feel I had much of a choice as I missed work already this week due to having the flu. I didn't think much of missing the party until I picked Maya up. Not only was she one of very few kids there but she also received lots of wonderful gifts. Her daycare gave her an adorable outfit and puzzle and Santa brought her a brown teddy bear. I then learned that Maya was terrified of Santa and went screaming the other direction. Where was I during all of this? At work. Really? I completely regret not being there to celebrate with Maya and her daycare friends. Is work really that important that is comes before your child? I realize I need to help pay the bills but really? I should have taken the time and attended Maya's party. I missed it, all of it. No pictures, no stories, nothing. One thing for sure, I learned my lesson and will make these parent/child events a priority from now on. They are important even if Maya is only 22 months. She is #1 and will always be in my book.