The Proud Wife.

Just over four months ago we waved goodbye from our balcony, with tears falling down our faces, as Hubby drove away and moved out of home. He headed for the nation’s capital Canberra to embark on an intensive and inaugural program for the Australian Federal Police. He joined officers from all over Australia, from all different walks of life. They were the first ever group of men & women to be chosen to take on the course.

As Hubby trekked mountains, buried his head in text books and took exam after exam – theory and practical, we tackled on our own challenges back at home. The first few weeks were the hardest for all of us. We adjusted to life apart from each other, and the trials that came with it.

A month in I knew that I couldn’t do it alone, so with some hesitation I enrolled Lacey into care. The decision ended up being the best I could have ever made, and slowly by slowly, we all began to adjust to our new life and it all got a little easier.

Most of all we just missed each other. Talking on the phone wasn’t like being in the same room and being able to say nothing at all. As the weeks passed the house seemed to fall apart, as if it knew that things weren’t quite right. It started with the electricity all blinking off, then an electrical socket blew, the back door wouldn’t close and the toilet blocked up and overflowed.

Some days were harder than others. “This is really hard,” I cried to a friend, “But I know I shouldn’t be complaining… there are people that do it harder than me. I don’t know how single mums do it. I really shouldn’t be complaining.”

“You have a right to complain,” she lovingly assured me, “This isn’t your normal and it is hard. Be easy on yourself.”

Eventually there was light at the end of the tunnel and we reached the final week away from each other. On Monday night I thought, “This is the last Monday night I’ll spend alone.” On Tuesday, as Lacey threw an almighty tantrum, I thought, “This is last tantrum I’ll have to handle by myself.” On Friday I was on a plane headed for Canberra, moments away from being reunited.

The bagpiper lead the group in and my husband marched in with his mates. We watched, full of pride, as he said his oath and collected his badge. We sat beside the other wives, girlfriends, parents and partners, joyful that it was all finally over and we were back to normal, but more joy-filled to see our lovely partners achieving such an honour.

After all the formalities were over we packed up and headed for home. Home. Together. Over the three hour trip we couldn’t stop smiling. “I can’t believe it’s over,” we kept saying.

I’m so glad to have my best friend back, and Lacey is so happy to have her Dadda back. We have our normal back, with an extra dollop of pride to go with it.