For many, many months my older daughter would always include one special request in her prayers at bedtime. She would ask that
her Daddy work closer to home. Since February 2011 Tom (@SmartyPantsDada) has worked more than 2 hours away. For a few months he actually did the commute – back and forth – each day. Driving more than 4 ½ hours a day, I was a nervous wreck with him on the road. At the same time, during those 2 ½ months I was ridiculously pregnant or home with a newborn. Regardless the reason, Tom’s determination to be there for the family was relentless.
As the baby reached 6 weeks, I gave him the green light to stay in Naples overnight rather than commute. His company paid for hotel accommodation as needed, so there was no expense. We started with just a night or two, and then over the last several weeks it had turned into him leaving home early Monday morning and not returning again until Friday night. The weeks were long. The girls missed him. I missed him. He missed us more than anything.
This morning my daughter witnessed the power of prayer. Daddy announced that he had gotten a new job here in Miami. Every day he would be coming home. No more nights of soft cries that she wants Daddy to come home. The smile this morning made his heart melt. He is so happy. I am so happy. She is thrilled!
Immediately after my twins were born, my husband was promoted Director and moved to split time b/w NJ (2.5 hours away) and Dallas (3.5 hour flight away). For almost 6 years now me and my now 3 children aged 5 and younger have been alone M-F while my hubbie is working. It has its pros and cons, but I can understand the challenges you faced and am so happy for you to have your husband back. This single mom thing with my 3 crazy amigos is tough and the fact that my hubbie pays his travel out of pocket is putting a strain on our finances too! Congrats on having Daddy home!
When my late husband was declared terminally ill he was terminated from his job and his short term disability from work ran out…all at the same time. This left us in a panic situation. I applied for help from social services but because we owned our home, only received emergency food stamps. It wasn’t long and we began to receive checks in the mail from family, friends, people from our church and from our relatives church. Some were from people we didn’t even know! Yes, God answers prayer! We immediately brought our financial problems to the Lord and He provided.
This is wonderful news, enjoy your new and improved routine! =)
This little blog post has reminded how powerful faith and prayers can be. Never lose hope that is what it teaches me. Unflinching faith in God and belief that God will handle all life’s problem is what I have reminded myself. I am strong and so are my prayers. Thanks for sharing.