I talked to my boyfriend last night and heard stories about the awesome dive he had with some friends up on Roi, and my heart sank because I hate missing out on those special times with him and in the water. I have been spoiled this last month of summer being able to commute back and forth from Kwaj to Roi whenever I wanted due to the lack of work and child rearing responsibilities I usually have on my plate. That said, I really began to think today about what makes being here on Kwajalein worthwhile for me. If I’m going to last the rest of this school year here, and if I’m going to meet my goal of being positive and focusing on the good things about life on an atoll, then I have to find those comforts on Kwajalein that keep me content and at peace. So, here it is in a nutshell, friendship and family time.
The last couple of days I’ve enjoyed lunchtimes with my two sweet boys, reading and laughing at Garfield comics in my classroom while munching on grilled cheese sandwiches, and reading the second book in the “How to Train Your Dragon” series after school with one child a piece snuggled up against me on either side. I wouldn’t trade those moments with my kids for anything. Hearing about their day and what they talked and learned about at school is priceless. Having been a teacher at a before and after school program previously, I listened to many a child tell stories of their day and ask for help with homework or solving a conflict with a friend, and my heart went out to them and their parents, wondering if mom and dad were able to share these same experiences with their children later in the day or if they totally miss out, which would be a shame because it’s such a bonding moment. Those moments were the primary reason why it was difficult and still is some days, for me to leave that job behind. I felt like I was leaving my own kids in so many ways. Point being, I am so glad I can be there for my kids in that way, hearing their stories and frustrations of the day, and then sharing some quiet time indulging in activities they love before the end of my day with them.
The other thing that keeps me going here on Kwajalein is my closest friendships. I don’t have many, grant you, but they are so loyal and genuine that it is enough. Tonight, I spent time eating chips and salsa, veggie burgers, and ice cream with Bailey’s liqueur on top with two dear friends, sharing stories of their lives, current events, and laughter over a few glasses of wine while we watched the rain that has been prevalent all day from her back patio. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for my friends here. After everything I have gone through on such a tiny island, to still have these friends is huge because friendship means being there even when things are at their worst, and I have only about 2 friends out of all I’ve made over the years here who are that type of friend, through thick and thin, but their unconditional love and support has made it possible for me to stay here through all the tough days. So, yes, I may have missed out on a beautiful dive yesterday with my honey, and I may have even missed another magnificent one today, but it’s okay because I made up for it by investing in my boys and my friends, and after all they have done and been for me, I cannot give back enough to them in order to show how proud I am to be a part of their lives.
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