This is going to be one of those summers where we are in survival mode. My husband is in the throes of studying for comprehensive exams for his doctoral program. This means he needs lots and lots of time to study and read. Of course, this also means lots and lots of time for me to be alone with the kids.
For a change of pace (and please tell me "change of pace" means keeping my sanity), the kids and I will spend a few days on the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, giving daddy some concentrated alone time to catch up on his reading schedule. We've loaded up the swimming suits and towels, beach toys and sunscreen.
What I've noticed about leaving my husband is that he starts to feel nostalgic for us in advance. He lavishes the kids with extra hugs and kisses. He is more tolerant of their shenanigans. He reminds them multiple times how much he will miss them when they're gone.
I benefit from his sentimental wistfulness as well. Knowing the parenting burden I will be carrying when we are gone, he is eager to help lighten my load in the time we have left together. He seems to have new eyes for all the things I do to keep his life running smoothly. Appreciation and love fill his every comment and spur him to action.
Maybe we should leave more often…
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