2/26/10 - Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

Well, here its Friday afternoon and most of you are already celebrating the weekend finally arriving after a long, tiring and most likely busy week.

Its too bad that still my weekend does not begin until my husband is done with his work for the week. He left at 1:30 this afternoon to push on and finish hard. He left yesterday same time and I never know what time he gets home so I always have to ask him when I see him the next morning. The last few days he hasn't even gotten in until 4:30 am which as most of you know this is more than a 14 hour work day. I feel so badly for him because I know he's running on fumes. I myself am also running on fumes because doing most of what needs to be done on my own obviously provides a challenge. On top of everything, I am trying so hard to keep up with my back treatments (3 times a week - for the next month) that I had to miss my normal gym routine. To make up for it I went extra and longer intervals. I feel like kicking myself in the rear for the poorly planned strategy but in the end I can see that I'm benefiting from all my hard work.

I really miss my husband and can't believe how little we've seen each other this week.

I'm trying not to complain about not seeing him much because at least I do get to see him. Even if it is for short lengths of time at least it is something. Knowing how many families are going with out their husband/wives due to deployments helps me hold my tongue and mind from feeling sorry for myself. I like anyone fall short of this being human, but I at least try to keep things in perspective. I couldn't imagine working on a night shift like that. If I even attempted it I'm sure they'd find me sleeping on the job or talking nonsense at some point. It truly impresses me about my husband his sense of duty. Doing something because he has too, even though nothing in him feels it has the strength or energy too. Knowing him I realize he isn't slacking either. He's giving it his all and doing his best to get the job done. This character trait in him I will always admire. Many times we have been out and about in public and people have asked him or me if he is in the military. Sometimes, I thought it offensive thinking maybe he was acting in a way that caused them to think badly of him. The other day when driving home from somewhere I asked him about this wondering if he is like the way he is because of his job in the military or because this is just who he is. His answer was interesting. Explaining that who he is he feels is both because he is that way and because he is in the military, equally. Some people in this world were just meant to be who they are and be doing what they are doing.

Not so sure this speaks true of me. Thankfully, I know that being a Mom and wife is both fulfilling and purposeful. It also allows me to feel each and everyday that I'm making a difference in way I know I probably could never do without these roles being played in my life.

I do know however, that having my husband gone, working as hard as he has, getting as little sleep as he has, feeling sick all at the same time makes me truly love him dearly. This week although difficult, exhausting, and hectic can say that I'm thankful for it because it has allowed me to treasure our relationship and the love we have for each other more powerfully than maybe I was before this week.

Thank you God for providing me with this man. Thank you for his character, integrity, strength of honor, and faithfulness. I pray you use his gifts and strengths in a awesome way in his job each and everyday. Be with him and lead his paths with wisdom and clarity. Thank you for such a great partner in this life and help me be the "helper" that He needs in the best possible way I can. Thank you for our family and for all that you provide for us daily. For with out you we are nothing, have nothing can do nothing. Thank you for everything.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend.
Enjoy the time you have with your family and loved ones..
Take some time today to stop and tell them how much they mean to you, how thankful you are for them, and how truly blessed you are to have them in your life.

I know I plan on it!