Independence

I want to share with each of you a word I think is an important part of supporting a spouse with such a demanding job. I know that most of you are probably much better at this than me. Conveniently, because of the upcoming holiday, it’s a word that is on most of our minds. It’s also a trait we will all need to work on during this holiday and the upcoming weeks as our family's job will continue to (and increase) demand.  

Independence.  

To me this word represents strength. One’s ability to do things that may be hard on our own and doing so without dragging our feet. We all know that we are our husband’s biggest fans and cheerleaders, but as his family, can we also be his marching band? Be someone with strength, force and independence. It’s a demanding family job, but our job is to be the parade. Our lives will go on while he’s at work and we will be much happier and more successful if we can do that with independence. This has been one of the most valuable things I have learned during the summers. I learned that I couldn't just wait around for activities to happen or for my husband to come home and want to play. If I was going to make my summer worthwhile, I was going to have to learn to be more independent. I had to learn this when I've stayed home for the summer, when I've gone out before I had children and as soon as I had kids, when I've had a car or didn't have one.  I've had to relearn it as my life’s situations have changed. Maybe it comes naturally to some, but for me, I've had to make a conscious decision to tell myself that I can do things on my own.  

Instead of thinking that I couldn’t do things without my other half, I’ve had to learn to do things for myself and by myself. It can be scary. It can be lonely. It can be exhausting and hard. But it can also be rewarding. It can make us stronger. Instead of just waiting or feeling sad and depressed for ourselves, we can take action and move forward to do those things that are sometimes a lot of fun, and sometimes very hard.

I've greatly enjoyed watching the pictures of your charity projects being posted on Facebook. Not only are you being independent, you are serving those who may not be able to be as independent at this time. Many of you did things beyond your comfort zone. Whether you recognize it or not, you have all shown independence through this activity and throughout the summer. You are all an inspiration to me. I hope that despite the long working hours and extreme heat each of you can enjoy this Independence Day!