Because he cares.

Happy Sunday evening. I hope all is well for each and every one of you. I wont lie, on this end, the last week and a half have been a little rough. My husband lost his older sister after a short battle with congestive heart failure. I believe that my husband was in shock for a few days. I really do. He is feeling much better after time to grieve. He’s worked pretty hard the last couple of weeks and I think it was his way of just trying not to allow memories in to his mind. He has had lots of time with friends the last two weekends which has really helped. His favorite beverages didn’t hurt the matter as well. We all expect to lose our grandparents and even our parents but, I believe the loss of a sibling just hits hard. I cant imagine really. I have one brother and two sisters (my husband has the same) and I can not think of this life without them in it. We all grieve differently and I’ve just tried to make sure that he had everything here at home that he needed from quiet evenings, to time to himself, to good meals. Also, just trying to be a listening ear when he needed to talk or vent. Unfortunately, the situation with her son was not good so much sweet husband needed to fume a little. Death often brings out the best and the very worst in people. That’s a sad take on it but, true. These last two weeks have held a lot of restless/sleepless nights. For him just missing his sister and being in disbelief. And for me just hurting for him and worrying about him. I’m queen worry wart. It’s what I do best. And it’s exhausting.

That brings me to today’s blog. As I said, worrying about the ones you love is exhausting. Mix that in with taking care of your home, a dog, your child, your husband, trying to stay healthy and going to the gym, late weekend nights, and working quiet a bit of overtime, well it kinda leaves you feeling somewhat like a zombie. I always say it’s okay to rest and just how important it is but, I dont always practice what I preach. Tomorrow begins a new week of unlimited overtime at my job, cake orders, and a lot of other work. The thought of it this afternoon almost had me feeling anxious and overwhelmed. So much so that my husband could see it in my face. I finally just looked and him and asked if he’d be too upset if I showered and went to bed to try to wind down. Yes at 7pm before the moon even began to show its light. Without hesitation, he said for me to go rest. He agreed to feed our dog his dinner and take him out and that he’d close all the windows and lock up for the night when he was ready to join me.

Folks, that doesn’t sound like a lot. Not to most people. But, to me it was heaven sent and exactly what I needed. To know that I could go lay down and enjoy some time writing with no other responsibilities except for closing my eyes to sleep. It meant the world to me. He has needed me to be there for him a little extra these last two weeks but, he also saw tonight that I wouldn’t be able to complete the week ahead if I had an empty cup to pour from. He offered to handle the evening responsibilities because he cares.

If you are the do’er. The one that takes care of everything for everyone else. Please know that its okay to ask for help. To delegate some of your tasks so that you can rest. Again, you cant pour from an empty cup. My husband and I are a team. I make sacrifices when he needs me and he does the same when I need him. You must or marriage is difficult. Lean on your partner. Lean on a family member or friend even. Just dont allow yourself to get to the point of complete exhaustion before you ask for help and rest.

Tomorrow is Monday which means a fresh start and a brand new week. Please remember that you (we) can handle any ole thing that this week throws at us. You’ve survived all of your worst days. You will make it over the hills ahead. Have a very best Sunday

Always…….Brooke

P.S. I’m still on my journey to a healthier me. Of course I’ve had some hiccups. We all do. But, this morning I weighed 180 pounds and I’ve been going to the gym 3 – 4 times a week. Slow and steady but I will get there.