November 13, 2007

• My Husband’s First Day of Work

  Yesterday was Doug’s first day of work. It’s the first time that he has had to have a job that isn’t farm related.  The first time in his life that he has had to rely on another employer to help him support his family.  All his life he has either worked for his father on the family farm or recently worked on his own farm.  Even in the past few months since we sold what was left of the herd we have been selling hay and machinery and he has only been doing part-time work for others.  Now he has to work off farm for his (and our daily bread).

  He seemed calm and cool as he got ready for work and left yesterday morning.  If he was at all nervous it didn’t show at all.  I was nervous enough for both of us.  It was the longest day of my life.  I have never had to spend the day without him.  Even when he was making hay off farm, I was always able to go to where he was and spend some time with him.   I would often take a picnic lunch to whatever field he was cutting or baling in and surprise him.  But you can’t do that in a factory where they make lawnmowers.  Now I know that there are those who would say that I was spoiled and it was about time that ended.  Well it is ending.

  So, what do you do when you are nervous and it is a long day and you miss your husband like never in your whole married life (24 years)?  You clean.  You clean the whole house from top to bottom.  Matthew, Mary-Kate and I went to 8:00 mass first thing yesterday.  Then we did a little shopping that needed to be done.  We paid a few bills in Oneida and saved soe postage.  Mary-Kate had her physical therapy session then we came home and we cleaned.  We swept floors, dusted the furniture, cleaned out closets and drawers and generally just picked up the clutter.  Matthew and I rearranged the living room and washed the floor under the furniture while Mary-Kate went up to the neighbors to clean their house. 

  Then I cooked.  I made potato leek soup and bread and creme de menthe cake for supper.  When Doug got home I was exhausted and so was he.  He said he did very well but he isn’t used to standing still that long so it will take a little getting used to.  Today is supposed to be a busy day for me so it should go better.  I don’t think I will ever get used to being that far from him all day long.  Oh well, they say change is good.  I disagree but I guess I get no choice in the matter.

  • 12:41 pm
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