I write a post like this every year around this time. I guess it's because when the football season rolls around I find myself with a lot of extra time to sit and think :)
Having a husband who coaches college football for a living is weird. In some ways, it's very similar to any other job, but then again, it's like nothing else.
For example: Paul works 13 hours a day on average during the season. I can think of a lot of jobs where people work 13 hour shifts. The difference is, Paul works 13 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the first week in August until December or January. Not to mention the 6 road games he travels to where he is gone for 2-3 nights per game. He doesn't get to take a day off for anything, no matter how important it is. Weddings-nope. Holidays-nope. Family Reunions-nope. I don't even want to think of what would happen if I went into labor on a game day.
And heaven forbid we lose a game. Losing=cranky hubby.
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| I saw this on pinterest and and thought it was so funny AND true! |
The hard part about it is trying to explain this crazy schedule to other people. So many people just don't understand what the big deal is over some stupid game. I mean lets face it, lives aren't at stake here.
It's a game.
I don't expect people to understand it. Heck, I don't understand it sometimes and it's my life! But the fact that people don't get it can make it very isolating and lonely. Which is why I'm so thankful for the friendships I've made with other coaches wives. These women are the only other people who truly know what life is like in the world of football. Plus, they're always there to listen (and join in) when I need to complain.
Yes, we have to turn down invitations to events we wish we could be at.
Yes, I eat dinner by myself every night of the week.
Yes, I cried when my husband left town on Thursday for the second time in less than a week (can I blame that on pregnancy hormones?)
BUT...
There are so many wonderful things about being married to a football coach.
Paul loves his job.
He gets to mentor young men and help them develop the qualities that will make them successful adults.
After every game, no matter if we win or lose, the slate is wiped clean and there is another game to look forward to the following week. Game days are the best!
Football, just like life, is full of seasons. And just when I think I can't stand a particular season any longer, the next one is right around the corner.
And the best part? It keeps me on my toes. I can actually say that I like not knowing what our life will look like 1, 2, 10 years from now. It's fun to imagine all of the possibilities!
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's not perfect, but it's my life and I wouldn't want it any other way.
*I can't end this blog post without saying how thankful I am to the men and women in our armed forces and their families. Every time I complain about how much Paul works, I'm reminded of those who go months/years without seeing their loved ones and the constant worry they face-all for our freedom. I am forever grateful!
