And now dinner.
It usually happens sometime mid-week. I miss her. I feel lonely and isolated despite being surrounded by a multitude of estrogen and one big, hairy dog. Abby is again in Haiti doing what she is called to do. I understand this call. I have heard its song ringing in my head when it would have been so much easier to continue my occupation of a comfortable leather couch. This feeling is not overwhelming. There is too much required to allow that. It is more like a breeze. It brushes by only to be appreciated in a quiet moment. One must be aware to feel its presence.
I long for the daily phone call. A few minutes to exchange events and experiences of our days. She would say I should call her but I am aware of the pressures of leading a group of eager volunteers to remote Haiti. I appreciate the constant demands which are placed. A continuous stream of decisions both large and small are presented without care of one’s state of exhaustion. Tonight our talk was a good one. We share events of our day, confirm plans for coming weeks and generally connect. It is good.
She will be home in a few days. That is good. This comes not from a desperate need for help. Many hands make for light work. When she is home I am home and this is what is good.
It is always busy when one of us is away. It provides an opportunity to maximize efficiency and build teamwork. It isn’t a great time to teach girls to ride bikes, allow Lenia to cut her braids (and most of her hair) out and spend time driving to Clinton to pick up parts for a thirty-year-old truck but it happens. This is our life. Don’t even get me started on the old motorcycle…
“When she is home I am home and this is what is good.”
Dr. Greg, you are a prose poet.
My Ginny is impressed with your picture. She’s telling me how your beard is going to grow down to the floor and calling you Dr. Eg.
Thank you for sharing your life in such a way as this.
I love you both…not for what you do but because of the love, vulnerabilitiy, and grace with which you do all that you do. You are the hands and feet of Jesus to so many in such a tangible way. You and Abby are blessed to be a blessing and you live out your story both in the presence and awareness of our God’s calling. Don’t become weary of running your race, my friend. Our father sees your spirit, your love, and your frantic juggling… you honor him in all of these.
Dr. Greg, just curious, how long have you and Abby been married? I understand if it’s too personal of a question to ask but it seems, from what my family has ever encountered with you and Abby, you have a long trust, love and respect for each other. You care for all 3 of my children and I couldn’t be happier that my children have gotten to interact with each of you and your staff over the last 7 years. I love that I can tell my kids, “we know you don’t feel good but Dr. Blackmon will make it all feel better and that’s it. No more crying, they know that they are loved and cared for at your office. My question for you and Abby both would be, with your crazy work schedules, working WITH your spouse, oh wow, that’s a whole other level, lol. But you have amazing girls and a full schedule. I believe it is extremely important for children to see the love and affection that you have for your spouse but sometimes it can get lost in the hustle and bustle . Do you have one or two tricks you and Abby keep up your sleeve for ensuring that your communicating and on the same page? And one last question, sorry, my spouse and I completely disagree on disciplining our children (6 yrs, and 2and1/2 old twins.) what is your best suggestions for a compromise? Praying for a safe trip home for Abby and everyone that God put in place for her to answer that calling. I will end by saying that your family inspires me. The kindness that you show my sweet babies, the reassurance that you give to us as parents and the comfort you give to my little ones is beyond wonderful, it’s a true BLESSING! Thank you both for all that you do. You both have an amazing gift, talent and calling.
Thanks Cassaundra.
To answer your questions:
14 years
Thursday night is date night. Period.
Compromise is always welcome, that and continual re-evaluation of course…
Dr. Greg