In what seems like another life entirely, I took my 3 year old (now he's 8) to the park on a regular basis. We stopped first at the edge of a small plot of wilderness adjacent to the park to check for coyotes (actually saw one once) and then headed to the little window under the slide to play McDonald's. After our fill of pretend Happy Meals, we headed to the other side of the playground to play Missing Boy, a game invented by the 3 year old in which he is carried away by bad guys in a helicopter or plane. My job then was to miss him. I did so extravagantly, calling his name mournfully, asking Who, who will be my Super Q now? I wept, I begged for him to come back. And miraculously, the bad guys always brought him safely home for a happy reunion on a bed of mulch near the park bench.
Today that boy is worried about missing his dad. There were tears, which he blamed on a variety of other things. We finally faced our fears, though. We're afraid we're all going to miss the Daddy around here quite a bit in the next few years.
The past few months have been long ones in some ways, as dh has been working 60-65 hours a week. Today he was called to serve our ward (congregation) as the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric (a sort of assistant pastor), a position that usually requires a lot of time and lasts for several years. I didn't see it coming at all and I'll admit that I cried about it. It's a difficult position to be in: wanting more time together as a family while knowing that in our church we all take our turn at heavy responsibility to serve each other. I have benefited from the service of others and now it's my turn to give back a bit. That said, when bedtime rolls around and it's just been the 3 of us since 7 am, we'll really be missing the Daddy around here.
7 comments:
It can be difficult -- hang in there though. I know you will be blessed for it, and also you yourself will grow in ways you never knew you would. :-) Miss you.
Wow... I admire you for accepting the call... both of you.
Wow, looks like your family is headed for some big changes. I'm sure your dh (and you) will do great. In the meantime, hang in there - I'll be thinking about you guys! I wish we lived closer...I would bring you Chinese dumplings every day! (Well, maybe every week. Month. Bag it; I'd bring you diet cokes and chocolate, but you'd know what I meant.)
I can relate to missing daddy - V. works about 50-60 hours/week, and is going to school full time. He's gone from early morning until way past bedtime, and Saturdays are usually busy with homework. But I think your situation is especially difficult because it's not really your choice...it's more of something that was imposed on your family, but because it's church related you're supposed to be unselfish and happy about it. But those aren't necessarily natural feelings to have - I would have a hard time with it. My prayers will be with you guys for a lot of blessings and the ability to be patient during this time.
Oh, wow, that has to be so tough! And here I have been grumbling about Bil being in the YM presidency for the last 6 years. I agree with pianogal. I wish I lived closer so I could come over and commiserate while both our husbands are at church activities.
On a side note, I love the "missing boy" game you played with Super Q. I can just see you mourning his loss and begging his captors to return him. You are such a great mom!
Oh my gosh, how did I not see this post!?? Good luck, my Rebecca! I am totally shocked by this -- your husband was already so busy! -- but I know you guys will handle it well. Oh but I feel for you!
That is a huge calling. I know Evan will be great and you guys will receive blessings from this. Just focus on quality time with him not quantity. I wish I lived close by and could help you out.
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