Slowly but Surely

While on the phone with a friend the other night, she asked how I was handling JD’s work schedule. 

“Better,” I replied.  “It’s definitely gotten easier.”

I surprised myself with my own answer.  I hadn’t really stopped to think about it, but things have been a little easier.  We’ve developed a routine, and unlike some couples who don’t see each other for days at a time when their LEO (law enforcement officer) is on night shift, JD and I manage to squeeze in an hour or 2 to catch up and eat dinner between when I get home and he leaves.

Also, I’m handling being alone during night shifts better.  I’m not really sure when or how that change happened, but a lot of my anxiety has started to fade.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m still not a huge fan.  I still check to make sure the doors are locked 3 times before I can fall asleep.  I still sleep with my bedroom door locked.  I still let out a sad little sigh when JD leaves for work in the evenings, but it’s getting easier at least, and that’s all I can really ask for.

As for my fears of him getting hurt?  That’s getting a little better each day too.  The more I see him come home safely to me, the more I have faith that he will continue to come home safely to me.  I will always worry, of course, especially since reading an article that police officer deaths are up this year, specifically shooting related deaths.  These are tough times, and unfortunately, police officers are often targets, but I have faith in him when he tells me “see you when I get home.”

I'm sure there will continue to be ups and downs, but he loves his job, so it's all worth it.