Last week was rough.Those of you who read regularly know Brett has been away at LTC (ARMY ROTC camp) for almost a month now and I've been holding down the fort in the meantime. Staying busy with online class projects was a nice distraction as we adjusted to not having him around and then there were two breaks with both sides of the family. However, about 2/3 of the way through I felt exhaustion set in. I hadn't been taking care of myself because I was trying to maintain online work even though nap times weren't happening and Ruby's sleep habits were suddenly becoming a thing of the past. I was regularly losing my patience with my son who was already trying to deal with his daddy being gone and a tired, cranky mama who always seemed to need to hold his fussy sister.
The morning of my third day in a row of total exhaustion and a second round of tears I got a phone call from my best friend, Katy, saying she was coming over by herself and bringing treats. I had thought I could get through the week without asking for help, and especially from Katy, as she and her husband had only just brought their second and third child home from Ethiopia the week before, but she came just in time. I was able to pack up our suitcases for an early trip back to Oklahoma while she entertained my kids, did my dishes, and let me choose which dessert I wanted from her stash. Thank you, Katy, from the bottom of my heart, for being sensitive to our families' needs and so generous with your time that day.
We made it to Oklahoma that night and I got to sleep in with Ruby the next morning while my granddad played trains with Sebastian. I discovered after breakfast that my computer charger had kicked the bucket and my computer had run down so that it wouldn't even turn on. That afternoon I went out to my car to run an errand and it wouldn't start. That evening, Sebastian started running a fever. Yet, what could've been the breaking point to an already long week was manageable thanks to my family who each helped in different ways so that those three mini crises weren't major crises. I am blessed and I know they all prayed hard that we'd make it back home without getting stuck somewhere on the turnpike!
Brett will be back with us late Saturday evening and all of those hard days will be over for awhile. His absence has really made me appreciate the weight of his role in our family and the part he plays in my life as my husband and partner. To say I'm looking forward to him being home is an understatement.
Thanks for your encouragement through this month and your patience with those last few days of no posting. I'm so thankful for this place.
xoxo,
Rachel
26 comments:
Oh rachel! I feel for you, I cant even imagine how stressful and just totally exhausting it would be, and always havin to stay strong! just know you are loved and everyone on your blog loves all your posts! Of course when something like that happens you wont be posting about it right away. Keep it up, you rock girl!
xoxo
Lauren
http://www.theperfectpearpair.blogspot.com
My Mr has been gone for 2 weeks, and today I felt like I could collapse from exhaustion! The little ones know when daddy is gone and it just messes up their sleeping, I feel you and I am glad to hear he will be back with you all. Thank God for amazing family and friends
xo
Heather
Hang in there lady. You're through the worst of it. I'm so glad you have an awesome support group to help you when you're down.
I can't wait until Saturday comes for the three of you. Hang in there!
I'm so glad that you're feeling better. Having the guys away is always terrible, but LTC and next summer, LDAC will be great practice runs for when he deploys. You did amazing and I'm glad to hear about your amazing family and friends!
You are an inspiring mama:) I have a tough time doing it all without my mr. for a few days...I cant imagine for weeks. Thank you for being open and honest about how tough it is to be a mama, and you truly are blessed:)
My husband is in the army too and is away also, so i know how you feel. It can be very overwhelming especially when the kids are out of sorts. You are very lucky to be able to rely on your family. Take care of yourself xox
I know I don't know you, and may never meet you. But from the bottom of my heart I wish you nothing but happiness. Sending you positive vibes and love :)
Power to you Momma!!! I am so happy to hear you have great friends and family to be there for you! <333
wow, when i read those words: BACK WITH US SATURDAY NIGHT, my heart skipped a happy beat!
you should really be so proud of yourself, a month is a long time and girl, YOU DID IT!!!!!!
Hey Rachel - Giles has been away for one week and I'm feeling the pressure (and that's without kids), so my heart goes out to you! I'll be celebrating with you all in spirit, when Brett returns to you tomorrow. Love and Hugs to you all, Sylv x
Yay!!! He's coming home. :) Enjoy your weekend with your hubby. You deserve it!
Bless you Rachel, we've never even met and I'm really excited for you that Brett will be home soon! My other half will be away for two weeks at the end of the month, and I'm going to stay with my parents for the whole time!
Girl, I know how you feel. Stay strong, mama. Your knight in shining armor is making his way back to you.:)
P.S. You deserve a nice, long, hot bubble bath!
You're so inspiring, and I hope that I will be like you when I'm a mom and a wife someday! Keep hanging in there.
You did great and it's almost over!
I think you're awesome...that's all :)
I was in the same boat last summer. Hubby was gone for work for 5 months and could occasionally pop back in on the girls and I for a weekend here and there.
Yes, thank GOD for family and friends!
Have a drink and toast yourself my dear...ya done good*!*
; )
i'm a fairly new reader, but this post really spoke to me. that takes a really strong person to go through that and stay positive, and that's so awesome that you have such a great support system to be able to do that! i'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers from now on, and keep writing fabulousness on this cute little blog of yours please! <3
mary roy
http://www.maryroyphotography.com/blog
*wipes tear from eye* I wish you lived down the street from me girl...My husband has a crazy work scheduele that keeps him away too, and I have these mini breakdowns about once a month! It's very refreshing to know I'm not alone, (even when I am!) Thanks for sharing!
Glad to hear you are getting through it! When we your DH be active duty or will he always be Reserves? My DH is active duty Air Force and is being sent to school for 6-8 months HOWEVER we have managed to get to go with him, even though it meant selling our home and starting over in a new place and then AGAIN in 6-8 months. Being together is what counts.
*((hugs))*
thank the Lord for putting people in our lives who love us and look out for us! that was so awesome of your friend katy to help out in spite of the probably chaos going on at home. what a blessing!
This post made me a bit teary eyed. Thank you for always being so honest and real about who you are. I truly admire you and consider you a very big inspiration when it comes to the type of mother I hope to be one day. :)
From one mom to another..... ((((((hugs))))))). Your strength is admirable. And even though I'm just a reader, *I* am thankful that you have friends and family to share in and support you in your struggles.
PS: PLEASE got get yourself a pedicure! YOU deserve it!!! :)
hey. I hope you're feeling better. Hang in there! :)
My husband is away at NTC right now for a month at Fort Irwin (he is about half way through his time there). I completely agree and know how you must be feeling. I'm so excited for you to have him back home on Saturday :) I can't wait until my guy is back!
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