I have this really neat opportunity that I probably won’t have any other time other than here in Kuwait.
I get to have lunch with my dad everyday.
I know that probably doesn’t seem like a big deal to most, but to me, it’s pretty special. I really like the guy.
We both work for the same company and at the same camp, which is nice considering my mom and Will are across the country. My lunch dates are special because I realize that most likely I will never have this opportunity to spend so much time with my dad like I do now. Chances are, after Will and I leave Kuwait we’ll settle in Texas or Oklahoma and my parents will end up somewhere else. Visits will be spread out between holidays and long weekends, and lunch dates will be a memory of the past. I feel the need to make the most of this time while my family is so close, and really take this opportunity to spend time and appreciate them the way a daughter should because there will come a time when they won’t be as accessible.
I’ve never been closer to my dad than I am now, and I think that’s because of our lunch dates. We don’t really talk about anything important- just sports, work, the weather, the dogs… yet it’s still nice to see him everyday and just be able to talk.
We usually go to Subway- because that’s where I always want to go. I’m sure my dad could go for a burger or pizza, but he’s so thoughtful to let me get my usual tuna salad each day. We rarely take an entire hour, but it’s nice just to get out of the office. Sometimes I’ll get a coffee, or we’ll go visit the PX. Whatever the case, it’s a nice time just to get away and hide and talk to someone that will just listen and won’t judge, even if I’m wrong. He’s such an interesting man and sometimes I feel like I know him well, and other times I feel like I barely know him! I’ve loved getting to talk to him as an “adult” now. It’s different from when I was a kid. It’s nice.
Sadly, it’s been 3 weeks since my last lunch date with my dad.
For some reason, that really upsets me.
I’m not quite sure why, but those lunch dates have become a staple in my day and having them taken away from me has really been a disappointment. Every time he texts or sends an email asking about my lunch plans I groan and respond that I’m chained to my desk and won’t be able to get away for the day.
I know it seems as though I’ve posted entirely way too much about work lately, but it seems as though it’s the thing that is consuming my life. These managers never see their spouses, they never have weekends, they work through holidays, and they look incredibly exhausted and unhappy. Why do I want to do that to myself? I don’t think the entire field is that way, but I think the nature of the requirements here make things much more demanding here than stateside. I just know it’s taking so much life out of me and I’m not sure if it’s worth it. I don’t want to look back one day and feel regret for putting my job above a lunch date with my dad.
Sure, it seems like in the grand scheme of life not going to lunch with your dad for 3 weeks is no big deal, but those little things are what really matter. I highly doubt I’m going to remember that on 13 December 2007 I was stuck in a meeting until all hours of the night. I will, however, remember that this past spring my dad and I were sitting eating lunch and out of nowhere he told me my hair looked pretty. That moment has been tucked away in my heart. Those things are the things you carry with you. Those are the things that matter.
I think about how the last few weeks have gone in my life, and I think about how every now and then it’s okay to have to deal with such things, but when I take a step back and think about what I might miss out on if this becomes an all the time thing- I think about how much I love Will and my doggies and don’t want to come home night after night for weeks on end when they’re fast asleep and I’m trying to crawl into bed without knocking over the hamper, or a lamp, or stepping on a squeaky ball.
I miss my lunch hour with my dad. I’m really going to have to simply get up and leave the office and just make it a priority. Decisions like those are ones worth making and never cause regret.
God has blessed me with an amazing family. I cherish them very much.
Still counting down to vacation. It is desperately needed. <3 you guys. Jenny, I love you so much and my thoughts are with you, Jay, and Koda.
. Here’s to more time with Him and with family!!!
What a wonderful blessing you have to be able to eat lunch with your dad everyday! DH and I live a province away from both of our families and we both long to live closer so we can at least see our families weekly and you have the opportunity to see your dad daily - that’s wonderful!
I’m so sorry that work is taking up so much of your time. I was sad to read that your department is now going to be working 6 days a week.
That said, I DO think you should take an hour at least once or twice a week to eat lunch with your dad. Although you’re busy, I’m confident that through having lunch with your dad you will be renewed for the rest of the day
Brittny, I’m so sorry that work is such a struggle for you right now - I know it’s hard when work begins to get in the way of the things that matter, like family. But I also use those opportunities to reflect on what IS important in my life, and then cerish the time spent with my family even more.
Lots of love!