Race Results: The season's first triathlon

Today was the day.  Today was it.  The first day of a commitment that I made to Derick last summer! 

And it's a total let-down...

Today Was the day that I planned to race in my first triathlon this season.  The Try Tri Triathlon at SIUE in Edwardsville, IL.  It was a short race.  150 yard swim (in an indoor pool!), 10 mile bike and 2 mile run.  I can do that.  I won't place, but I can do it.  And I could probably do it without walking.  

Allyn came down with a fever on Friday night.  It didn't break until the middle of the night, last night.  But he is still coughing and snotty.  And Brody is coughing and snotty too.  

So long, Try Tri... Maybe I'll see ya next time. 

Actually, the race officials were very understanding.  Most race fees come with the disclaimer of "no refunds, no transfers".  Maybe that means transferring it to another person.  But, I emailed the last night and I am now registered for the Trifecta Triathlon at Carlyle Lake in August. 

So, this weekend really was a bust.  I missed my triathlon, Aida missed softball practice and Christian missed his Boy Scout camp out.  

Maybe it was good for the kids to see that I missed my event just like they did.  We're all in this deployment together.  If one of us is sick or in need of help, we all have to come together to take care of each other.  Sometimes, that means we can't do the things we have planned.  

Including me.  My events aren't better or more important than theirs.  

So, in light of the weekend's events, I've decided to tell you the top 5 things I miss about Derick. 

Maybe I should title it: Top 5 Things I Don't Like About Being a Single Mom

1.  Sick kids.  

I'm it.  I'm the go-to guy.  I get to deal with illness in its entirety.  And I kinda have a weak stomach.  Derick always cleaned up puke.  The Lord really blessed us this winter.  This weekend was the first illness that we have dealt with, really since last fall.  Maybe before that.  It just happened to come on a very busy weekend!

2.  Boring nights.  

Derick is my best friend.  We thoroughly enjoy just spending time together, even if that means sitting next to each other reading and drinking coffee.  I look forward to seeing him every night after work. There's not much to look forward to at night these days.  And in the summer it'll be worse.  It'll be me and the kids at home, all day... alone.  Ugh!

3.  Insomnia.  

Derick and I go to bed at the same time every night.  I don't like going to bed alone. The bed is cold and lonely. 

4.  Cooking.  

I love cooking but my kids couldn't care less about eating a home-cooked meal.  They'd just as soon have pizza or even cereal for dinner every night.  Derick loves my cooking.  And I love to cook for him.  He enjoyed everything I made.  And he made the kids eat it and then tell me thank you.

 

5.  Church.  

That sounds bad at first glance. I love my church.  I love the people in my church.  My kids [finally] love our church.  But, I hate going to church alone.  I hate forcing them to go to class alone.  I hate leading the children's singing alone.  I hate feeding them lunch alone.  And I hate hunting for kids so we can go home, alone. 

**A note about church:  When Derick is available, he watches our church's live stream on Sunday morning.  It's actually Sunday night for him.  Sometimes we text each other during the service.  It helps, but it's not the same.  

This sounds like a list of complaints.  It's not.  Just a little confession of sorts.  My very good, Navy-wife friend, Liz, would probably agree with all 5 things on my list.  

One good thing about him being gone for so long, is that I think about things like this.  About all the things that I love about him and why I love him so much.  It helps me to appreciate him more while he is here.  And remember to tell him. 

My final word, if you are reading this.  Appreciate your spouse.  And tell them why you appreciate them, even if it sounds little and stupid.  They'll appreciate hearing it! 

I posted this on Instagram last week for Throwback Thursday. A good reminder.  We can do it!