Many times in life we need to be willing to trade places with others. I am doing it again, in one of my favorite ways. Petra has started a new position, and I am taking care of Emma and things at home.I have done this before and I want to talk about the challenges it poses for me and the rewards.
The challenges, the biggest one has to be being apart. Petra and I are extremely close. I value her opinion on everything. I take great joy in sharing life's experiences with her, laughing at the funny stuff, asking her what she thinks about this horse or that ride, or something like- what shall we have for dinner or holding hands.
I feel we work best together but this isn't always possible. When I am working it is a little easier,because I am being kept busy by people and tasks. I still miss her input on everything. She has a unique take on things, which I love, even when we don't always agree.I just love doing things with her no, matter what it is. It is hard to put into words, but if I can't be with her, it is easier to be busy.
When she is working and I am home its harder in many ways, but not the ones you might think. I don't mind the house work, even cleaning the bathroom. This is partly due to the fact that Petra is very appreciative of my efforts and very rarely critical.Also I find it easier and get joy from doing something that I know will make someone else happy, than I do from doing something for my benefit. I am working on that. Examples like making time to study, work out, or get something I truly need to make my work better.
Taking care of children is both a challenge and a joy. On the one hand you have to keep them fed, clean, happy, and safe! On the other it is fantastic to watch them grow and learn and laugh! I have been fortunate to have had a lot of time with all three of my kids when they were very young. I must admit, that is one of my greatest challenges now is that I am far away from Grant and Joshua.I mis that time. Not being able to be there for their games, other competitions, boy scouts and ever changing activities is very hard. I just try and be thankful for the time I can be with them, and hope they know how badly I wish I was there always. I really try and make the time I do get count. This has also motivated me to be sure and put things aside for Emma Grace, because they grow up so fast. So I just sit and play or read or walk with her whenever I can. I try focus on how lucky I am to have her in my life, and that she is only this age once. Which is true for all of us everyday!!! WE ONLY GET TO LIVE TODAY ONCE, SO HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IT? That is really the big question, don't you think?
I hope this has helped you in some small way.
Sincerely,
John
The challenges, the biggest one has to be being apart. Petra and I are extremely close. I value her opinion on everything. I take great joy in sharing life's experiences with her, laughing at the funny stuff, asking her what she thinks about this horse or that ride, or something like- what shall we have for dinner or holding hands.
I feel we work best together but this isn't always possible. When I am working it is a little easier,because I am being kept busy by people and tasks. I still miss her input on everything. She has a unique take on things, which I love, even when we don't always agree.I just love doing things with her no, matter what it is. It is hard to put into words, but if I can't be with her, it is easier to be busy.
When she is working and I am home its harder in many ways, but not the ones you might think. I don't mind the house work, even cleaning the bathroom. This is partly due to the fact that Petra is very appreciative of my efforts and very rarely critical.Also I find it easier and get joy from doing something that I know will make someone else happy, than I do from doing something for my benefit. I am working on that. Examples like making time to study, work out, or get something I truly need to make my work better.
Taking care of children is both a challenge and a joy. On the one hand you have to keep them fed, clean, happy, and safe! On the other it is fantastic to watch them grow and learn and laugh! I have been fortunate to have had a lot of time with all three of my kids when they were very young. I must admit, that is one of my greatest challenges now is that I am far away from Grant and Joshua.I mis that time. Not being able to be there for their games, other competitions, boy scouts and ever changing activities is very hard. I just try and be thankful for the time I can be with them, and hope they know how badly I wish I was there always. I really try and make the time I do get count. This has also motivated me to be sure and put things aside for Emma Grace, because they grow up so fast. So I just sit and play or read or walk with her whenever I can. I try focus on how lucky I am to have her in my life, and that she is only this age once. Which is true for all of us everyday!!! WE ONLY GET TO LIVE TODAY ONCE, SO HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IT? That is really the big question, don't you think?
I hope this has helped you in some small way.
Sincerely,
John
You are right-they grow up way too fast-enjoy it while you can. Before you know it she'll be in school and they are never truly yours alone ever again.
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