I am a whiner.
Families where Daddy travels, single mamas (and papas), military families have huge respect from me (and I was already respectful)!! It is sooooo tough to go it alone. When Daddy gets home we will have successfully (yes, that opinion is debatable) negotiated twenty-six days without him present. He got to come home for two days in the middle of this so it really shouldn't have been a big deal. But it was. To me. That is NOTHING people. Some families don’t see Daddy for months. Some…well…some…have it tougher.
Everything in the following list is TRIVIAL.
TRIVIAL.
Trivial.
But.
I am a whiner. Since then:
The vacuum broke—fixed that.
The storm hit—I got to take the awning and deck chairs down in the storm and later put them up so they wouldn’t mildew. Fun.
Kept the yard down to a jungle. I am so glad I only have a postage stamp. I mowed over very few things that shut down the lawn mower. Just a few. And it started back up. So, HEY!! I did good.
The garbage disposal is on the fritz!!! I cannot fix that. I will quit dumping garbage down there for two days.
There’s a dead squirrel in under the big tree in front…um…left that for Daddy or the cat. YUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKK!!!
The boys got sick with first allergies followed by secondary sinus infections. Surprise!!! Guess who got sick? While her husband was still in another time zone!!!! Guess???!!!!
And then…you know, insult and injury, and all that…I threw my BACK OUT…Remember Tim Conway??? Remember Mrs. UHWhiggens???? Ummm…that’d be me. So much for sorting through the closets. So much for organizing the cupboards. So much for Menu Plan Monday and any blogging. I read and commented as I could. And I did a lousy job at it. Wordless Wednesday—posted in advance.
I am a rotten mommy/blogger/friend and interwebuddy. Yup…lousy. That’d be me.
My father offered to come help me. He would do that. Drive four hours and see if there was something he could do. But we were managing.
My husband offered to come home. We decided that would not be conducive to the "continuous paycheck program" thing he has going. We like the food in the cupboards and the roof over our head experience.
And my friends who have been friends for near twenty years? Yeah…busy. Really busy. If I’d been crying…they’d be here, but with no clue how to deal with children. Honestly, they have no children. One checked. She did ask. She did want to know how auditions went. (I don’t’ really know. They are in I am sure. Besides that—who knows) she was relieved when I told her the boys were doing the housework.
Relieved I tell you.
And then the momma of one of the little girls who rides with us to dance? (I could still drive—the van, she is a beautiful machine. You just step gently up, and no twisting of the body. I still drove.) She found out yesterday I had been struggling with my back. She made the boys and me dinner. And she yelled at me. YELLLED at me for not calling her. She has FIVE kiddos. And she would help me. And I am HUMBLED to tears over this. She has children with health issues, and doctors’ appointments. She made me dinner. Because I drive her daughter to dance. And my back hurt. And my husband was gone.
Well…Dinner was mahvelous, dahling. Comfort food. Blew my diet all to heck, but hey!!! I put it in the oven at 350 and guess what? 40 minutes later I am in carbohydrate heaven with minimal dishes.
My husband? On the road still. BUT!!!! Driving home. ONE DAY EARLY!!
It is the little things. It is. It is the one who you are surprised at who helps you along the path. It is the one who you should be doing something more for, who lifts YOU up.
It is two young boys who step up to the plate, helping with dishes, laundry, vacuuming and feeding the ancient cat who won’t eat the same thing from meal to meal.
It’s the lady at church who teaches your children, who tells you how great they are.
It is your husband who you can HEAR misses you and all the stupid things you do over the phone.
It is the fact that at 3 a.m. when I can't sleep, I can still know my Savior cares for me and is there.
That my friends…is why my days, no matter what are JOYFUL DAYS.
Find some joy today!!
9 comments:
You have had a really rough time, my friend, and I am so glad someone stepped in to help you a little. Great boys you have too! Never be afraid of saying you need help. I learnt that a long time ago!
I have so much trouble admitting I need help! And get so discouraged when people don't read my mind :)... I'm glad your friend brought you yummy dinner and pray that your back is well soon.
So sorry for all of your woes. It is hard to ask for help. We don't want to be whiners. But more importantly we don't want to be whiners who beg for help! So glad a friend reached in and helped you and that hubby is on his way back to you. Rejoice in your sufferings we are told. As I have lived longer and longer I understand more and more what that means...not to be glad necessarily over the actual reason for our suffering but within the suffering to find reasons to rejoice and be at peace with what God has allowed to come your way.
As the wife of one who travels a lot, I empathize, though my husband has never been gone that long at one stretch and I have never had all that happen while he was gone. Take care of that back! Frozen chicken nuggets are great quick meals when Dad's gone -- those and frozen french fries in and out of the oven in 10 minutes.
Glad your hubby is coming home soon!!
I also have trouble asking for help. And, I would be like your carpool friend too - annoyed that you didn't tell me.
Whine away, my friend. Sometimes it's good to have a whine moment and then just get on with life.
There's nothing rotten about you, Julie. Having your husband gone for 25 days is FOREVER in my opinion. You are doing well. As a fellow Carol Burnett/Tim Conway fan, I understand what you mean by your back. I hope Mrs. Uhwiggins goes away soon. Alternate heat and ice in the meantime. Keep your chin up.
It doesn't sound trivial to me. Hoping you find some rest and help soon.
You do remember that sometimes you are the one who needs something? It's a community.
Julie, you know...sometimes you just have to vent. I have only had to last one week without my hubby; I am in awe you've lasted 25 days!
I am so glad a friend stepped in and helped. What wonderful boys you have too, as well as family and friends. Glad too that your hubby is on his way home.
Praying your back pain heals soon and hang in there!
I wish I lived closer -- I would be there...then you'd have three kids to worry about. You have had a time for yourself girlfriend! So glad your honey is on his way home. Things just snap back into place when the whole team is there don't they?
Mrs Uhwhiggins is my favorite gal by the way. I have to go now....I have pencils to sharpen for heavens' sake.
Take care and have some cheese with that whine...I would make mine mac and cheese.
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