Flying Solo

Well, my husband is gone for a month. Despite my young friends's concerns, so far I am managing fairly well. Of course, it is only two days, and I do miss him... but...

We've done this so often that it seems like a natural part of fall. We've done this so often that we have an established routine for "when Daddy is gone". There is a normalcy to it.

We do miss him. This time, more than ever, I both miss him and am concerned about him. But, we are settling into our default mode for when Daddy is gone. Time for simpler meals, settling into the year's routines with school and homework, cleaning out summer stuff and pulling down winter things, perhaps a fun project to surprise him with when he returns. We keep busy, but low-key busy. Even the child-care issues for when I need to work are less. My community around me knows the routine, too. They expect and are willing to take my kids for my work weekends. The kids are also old enough that they can be home for periods by themselves. That is a huge relief. Just the ability to run to the store to get eggs without dragging all four along is so much easier.

But... evenings are longer. I go to bed earlier just to get away from the long evenings. Or I get work done. Or chat with friends if it works out. I'm flying solo for a month, but I've had some experience doing that, so the day to day of it is easier.

I just have to keep my mind off the "what if's". I don't go there. I can't let myself think about them. But it is a time to pray, to be praying. In a few weeks, I'll write a new post when there is an "all clear", but now is a time to be praying.

Thanks.