I kind of lose my momentum, my zest, my umph when Don goes out of town. Kind of scary to think what will happen if he were to die young…scary thought, but seriously – if a week of him being gone is any indication I’m in big trouble. I find that the day before he comes home I’ve got two counters and a sink full of dishes to wash by hand, dirty laundry pouring out of the laundry room, a gazillion people to return calls to wondering if I’m alive due to my anti-people mode, a floor scattered with many various fast food restaurant bags…it’s kind of scary. The thing that keeps me from becoming the hermit lady you see on the late night documentaries are my 3 happy girls. They keep me smiling with their “love life” attitudes and comments, (Autumn) “I’ve decided I’m a savage. I’d rather run around naked and drink Dr. Pepper than be a lady.” That was a thoughtful declaration after years of us asking her if her questionable behavior was that of a lady or a savage…
Liberty and Bizzie dancing to whatever music is playing. Blissfully happy as they run around and jam to “Mickey Mouse Club.” Hearing the girls playing and Bizzie telling Autumn for the tenth time that day, “Autumn, I love you,” and then go right back to playing. Finding Liberty surrounded by all the utensils she has pulled out of a (now empty) drawer she can’t even see in to…
Along with the house my patience suffers a bit too, and I become aware of it when Bizzie running up to me and saying “I love you Mom! Are you angry or nice today?” happens more than once a day… I’ve been working on explaining to her that just because I am stern with her when she is struggling to be obedient doesn’t mean I am angry with her…I also noticed I get more of those affectionate but confused comments from her when Don is gone and I’m parenting alone (therefore there are more stern moments than usual…)
Such funny, forgiving girls…Don’s home and I’ll eventually figure out how to function better when Don leaves on his trips, but for now I’ve moved out of hermit mode, the house is clean, my patience is restored, and I’m here once more.
