I would have to say one of the hardest things my husband and I have experienced since he as been gone is life's interruptions. Not bad interruptions, but the normal things you experience on a daily basis that get in the way of trying to live life as normal as possible. It is hard enough finding time to talk when there is a fourteen hour time difference, but then you add in life's interruptions which make it almost impossible to communicate. For example, this week I have been in Las Vegas for the company I work for, Arbonne International, annual Global Training Conference. Although this training and trip is a positive interruption in my life, it also brought forth its challenges. I went from having a fourteen hour time difference between my husband and I to having an eighteen hour time difference between us this week. Juggling walking to conferences, attending conferences, eating, communicating with other teams, getting dressed up, AND making sure you talk to your husband all at the same time was quite a challenge. Honestly more then anything the greater time difference was the hardest part. It went from talking at 6 am in the morning in Georgia which was equivalent to 2 am Las Vegas time...which obviously was not possible. It went from talking at 11 pm at night in Georgia which was equivalent to 7pm Las Vegas time....which I was in meetings or at dinner. I had to choose investing in my business and personal growth over talking with my husband as much as I do at home. I know to some this may seem so small, but when you never get to see the one you love the times you have to talk are priceless.
Although it was a challenge and barely talking once a day was heart breaking, I can defiantly say I have counted my blessings. I am now so thankful that there is only a fourteen hour time difference at home, if I lived in Las Vegas I don't know how we would do it. I am thankful that I have a wonderful, understanding, and supportive husband that understood the sacrifice we had to make this week for my business. I am thankful for the time we do have to talk when I am home.
More than anything, I think this has been so hard because I know these are the last couple of days I have to talk to my husband before he leaves for the field. Next week he will leave to be out in the field for one month, and we may not be able to talk at all. Although some parts of me have guilt that I wasn't able to take advantage of the last week I had to talk to him, I have to remind myself that I have to keep on living my life to. I have to remind myself that I have a husband that also wants that for me. I have to remind myself that I cant always be at a million places at the same time. Most importantly I remind myself that God is in control, that God is protecting our marriage, and that God will work all things together for our good.
New Year, New Baby!
13 years ago
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteAlthough i may not be able to relate directly to your situation i can definitely understand. My sister is married to a marine and she lived with us while he was on tour for 7 months. She found out she was pregnant before he left and had to go through the entire thing without him, including giving birth. I went through it all with her and felt her pain. It is a very difficult situation that most people don't understand. Stay strong!
Patricia
Wow...what an inspiring blog. You seem so strong and optimistic! I realize how much I take for granted being able to see my loved ones as often as I do. I am sure Las Vegas was hard with the time difference. I hope you will be able to talk to him while he is in the field! You are certainly a strong individual.
ReplyDelete-April Hatfield
It's refreshing to know that even though you two are miles and time zones away, you still hold your love for each other. Not many people can say that they married the love of their life just to see them leave a few weeks later not to be back for months. It's inspiring to know that you're such a strong person in a time when a lot of people would give way under the strain. My fiancé has just taken the first steps into his future by enlisting in the marines and I do not think I'll be handling it as well as you. I'm going to keep an eye on your blogs! Keep them coming! :]
ReplyDeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteThat is my worst fear. I fear that one day when Colt and I do have the chance to have children that he won’t be able to see them born. As an army wife I know there will be times where he is not present in our kid’s life and I am okay with that; but what I pray all the time is that he can at least have the pleasure of seeing his children born! Tell your sister “thank you” for being strong and to tell her husband “thank you” for his service!
April,
Thank you so much! You are very sweet. As humans our bodies and minds can adapt to almost any situation as long as we keep a positive attitude! That is what I strive to do every day, remember that God has a plan and He is in control!
Jhuff,
That is what one of my next blog posts was going to be about, "You would think that your love would fade with distance, but instead it only grows stronger." It is very crazy how it happens but it does. I desire to see my husband so badly that all I can do is love him more. Don’t get me wrong, there are defiantly tough days, but I just try and keep my head up and think positively!
This is a very inspiring blog. It broke my heart when I first started reading it. I can’t say I totally understand but the thought of being that far away from someone I love and hardly ever being able to talk to them is terrifying. You are very strong and understanding and that’s what a marriage is built on. As I continued reading this blog I could tell you were being and thinking very positively. Not once did you seem like you had a negative thought. Sure it must be hard but you press on and you look forward to brighter times with your husband and that’s what’s important. He’s very lucky to have you. I am inspired by your strength and the love you show for your husband with every word of this blog.
ReplyDelete- Kristal