My Grass Is Greener

Some of my neighbors and women in my social circle tell me I have the best of both worlds; referring to Jimmie’s work schedule. Because he’s home for a week and work out-of-town for two, they think I have more time and less responsibilities (I guess). You’re so lucky…I wish my husband had a schedule like that…At least you get a break… Those are just a few comments I hear quite often. Usually, I smile/laugh and say, “Ok…you have no idea”. The grass always looks greener from the other side. And when it truly is, we never see the hard work, sweat and tears that made it greener. Let’s take a closer look.

Most people don’t know that Jimmie and I we’re being prepared for this lifestyle back in 1987. We didn’t even know. Our holidays and summer breaks during college was spent with our families. Born and raised in two different states, automatically meant we had to get use to being apart. After two years of dating, I transferred to a different college (in Kentucky) and Jimmie enlisted in the military; talk about being apart. The first three and a half years of our relationship consisted of long distance phone calls, hotels, fast foods and car rentals. I know what you’re thinking and I agree…very expensive! Jimmie and I got engaged February 1990 in Virginia. We didn’t see each other again until August, in Georgia; October, in Texas; January 1991, in Florida. Keep in mind these were usually three-day weekend visits.

During our first eight years of marriage, I had to get use to Jimmie working the graveyard shift; meaning I was home alone at night with the girls. It was preparing me for the next five years of his 24 hour work schedule (twice a week). The girls and I had to get use to seeing “daddy” leave for work and coming home the next day. Fast forward five years later and here we are.

Hard work, sweat and tears…yes. Greener grass, maybe. Am I still the lucky one? You tell me.