It's 5 o' clock in the morning, and I'm lying here in bed with my beautiful son next to me and my handsome husband getting ready to go to SWAT training...This routine happens pretty much every other week, and although I'm grateful for the training that my husband is getting, I do wish that he could stay home and play with Hunter and I.
We just got back from our family vacation, and we are definitely being thrown back in to the "real world" pretty quickly. Michael starts his new position this week and although I am very excited and happy for him, it will be quite the change for our little family. He will be gone one extra day a week for a 4/10 work schedule, but those 4 days usually turn in to 5 or 6 days because of having to testify in court, taking gang classes, training, getting called out etc. Not to mention keeping up on his normal duties of SWAT.
I know it kind of seems like I'm complaining, or may be in need of a "pity party", but that's not the reason for this post...Honestly, I don't think I can pin point the reason why I'm writing this...I've never taken the time to write about Michael's job, but I thought that since he's starting his new specialized assignment, now would be a good time.
I would like to say that if you have a "normal" life, you should consider yourself lucky. What's normal? Having your husband home for dinner at least 3-5 times a week, not having to spend night after night by yourself, not wondering if your husband is going to come home from work because of what he has to do at work, being able to openly talk about what your husband does without worrying about the response your going to get, or whether or not it will benefit your family, not having to stand up for what he does, or not having to worry about hiding or locking away the "things" your husband uses at work. I'd say that those are all pretty normal things...I know that as newly weds, we will go through some rough patches or crazy schedules because of trying to get through school, or getting in to careers and what not, but my crazy schedule will pretty much last forever (well at least for a REALLY long time).
If I could have seen in to the future and see what my life was going to be like, would I still choose it? Well...yes, and no. Being a "cops wife" has definitely made me a stronger person, and has given me more faith than I have ever had, but it is hard...I am proud of Michael, and know that he has an honorable career, but there is definitely a price to pay.
"A Police Officer's Wife"
A special kind of woman: a cut above the rest,
That's A Police Officer's Wife, rating her best.
How many good byes are whispered, joined with a fond embrace?
As duty steals her man, for the danger he must face.
How often have meals been ruined - or tender moments disturbed,
by a call for special duty, sparking loyalty un-swerved?
It's a devil of a job, for an angel like this,
Who......for the love of her man, must forsake that kiss,
She can run a garden tractor; even paint a room in need,
How she can stretch a dollar is a miracle indeed.
She's mother, lover, chauffeur and nurse,
A living symbol of: "for better or for worse."
Rich is the man, reaping his rewards in life,
Who chose to be the other half of
A Police Officer's Wife.
3 comments:
Well expressed. : ) Someday we need to get together.
-penni
you name the day...and I'm there! (=
I defiantly have most of the things you would describe as a "normal" life. I know part of the reason Adam chose his career was that he would have that "normalcy" of returning home for dinner, being available for the kids extra curricular activities, and doing the family dinner thing. I'm so grateful he gets to come home by 4:30 on most nights, and spend every weekend and holiday at home. It has been interesting to watch the flip side with your family, but you seem to make it work beautifully, especially since you are such a dedicated wife and mom.
I will say though that I am usually having to wait for the "response your going to get, or whether or not it will benefit your family, not having to stand up for what he does" because I do all three on a daily basis. Especially right now with the "Education Nation" campaign, people blaming all the teachers and taking no responsibility, and the fact that he doesn't make as much money as most professions. I'm glad that he is dedicated to gaining more education so that he can provide more of a paycheck and that he is advancing in his career, but I should never have to defend his choice to be an educator...even though I feel like I do it on a daily basis :/
But as we've talked about, officers and teachers are like the lowest need in society right? we can always do without them right? :)
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