Undercover Blessings

As we near the holiday that forces us to stop for a moment and think about what we have to be thankful for, I am reminded to do the same.  In a world that is chock-full of complaints, it is so nice to be surrounded by humanities thankfulness.  So, here are a few things I am thankful for.

INDEPENDENCE

It is no secret that to survive as a LEO wife you must have some substantial amount of independence in your blood.  I adore my husband and I love it when he is home but when he is not, it is my duty to hold things together.  It came as no hard feat to me to be able to handle the home on my own when my LEO is gone.  I can attribute that independent-style attitude to a couple of things.

My hard-working parents who raised and supported five children.  As the oldest it was my duty to care for my siblings while they were working.  This included cooking, cleaning, caring and even educating.  Although there have been times that I felt that my childhood could have been a little more child-ishy, I am thankful for the amount of independence those experiences gave me.

My early twenties and all it's hardships. I am thankful for those few years where I had to struggle for the basics.  The years when my paycheck paid for my rent and sometimes not even that.  The years of Ramen and water.  And throughout those years only once did I ask anyone for help.  I was determined to show the world that I could do it on my own.

It is because of these experiences that my LEO can walk out the door each day knowing I will be okay.  He will not have to worry about me while he is gone.  I am thankful that because of them he can focus on his work and not worry about his family while he is away.  

RELATIONSHIPS

Throughout our marriage competitions, trainings, missions, call-outs and routine duty have been there to remind me that sometimes it is nice to miss your spouse. I do not particularly favor it when my husband has to leave, especially for lengthy periods and especially knowing that our little one will be asking every night when daddy will be home.  Breaks my heart. I will say however, that I am thankful for the opportunity to miss him when he is gone.  It breaks up that routine complacency that comes so natural in marriages.  I am thankful for the extra-tight hugs and extra-long kisses when he returns.  I am extremely thankful to be able to witness the look on my son's face when he hears the alarm chime when we are cuddled on the couch because he knows his Daddy is home!  It just makes my heart melt.

I am thankful for the relationship that my son and husband are able to share.  My husband's schedule doesn't exactly fit mine and this allows them to have what we call "Daddy-Dylan Day".  On these days my boys can build such a unique relationship that wouldn't be possible if it was always the three of us.

 I am also thankful for the opportunity to be able to build a relationship with my son that is just mine and his.  Every weekend my LEO works allows for an opportunity to bond with my son. 

 I am just as thankful for the special time we split as I am for the special time we share.  Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!  Many blessings to you and your families.