Tough

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

I’d have to say that I think I’m a pretty tough gal. Now I’ll admit that our first year of marriage in Japan, I was a pretty big baby. I pretty much cried at the drop of a hat. But come on—I was culture shocking! Anyway, I stuck it out and very quickly, found myself thoroughly enjoying living and working in another country.

So back to the tough part, other than living in Japan I went snowshoeing when I was six months pregnant with Carly, I moved to Alaska, traveled on a plane with a 2 ½ year old when I was 7 months pregnant with Isaac, and gave birth to two kids without any meds. I'd say I'm a pretty tough cookie.

Well, this week I’ve really had to “get going”. My husband’s employer is making it tough for me. This week Shawn has been going through intense training here in Juneau. He’s been working 10-12 hour days all week. When Shawn has a long day like that, it turns into about a 14 hour day for me. This last Monday, a usual day off, was spent in training. Monday was also our anniversary, but because of his training going over we only had 35 minutes to enjoy a dinner together. And did you all see how tired he looked in that picture I posted Monday night? This Saturday we had planned to join the church camping retreat and at least spend one night out there all together. But duty calls and Shawn will be working night shift. So I guess I’m going to be a tough momma and take the kids out on my own. I know there will be plenty of extra hands happy to help if I need it. Now let’s also add on that this coming Monday (usually a day off) will be another training day for Shawn. Then the work week starts again on Tuesday. He’ll be busy next weekend as well.

Aye-yai-yai (or however you spell that)! Now, I don’t mean this post to be a whiny, woe-is-me-post. My point is just to document the reality of our lives—even when it’s tough. I know I can handle this tough time (with the strength of God). But wow, this is a lot. I’m so thankful that my husband enjoys his work, and I’m very proud of how hard he works. He really is a great police officer. I just don’t think people realize how much police officer families sacrifice.

But you know, now that I’ve typed it all out, it doesn’t seem nearly as daunting as I thought earlier today. And maybe this “tough time” is just a part of raising a young family. Probably most of you mom’s out there have been where I’ve been this week. So I’ll “just keep swimming” and try to remember that this will make me stronger and better able to handle the next tough time.

On a lighter note, coming back from the store today Isaac and Carly were having a good old giggle fest in the back seat. Nothing like the laughter of children to make you laugh yourself.