The Night Before Departure
It’s the night before G, the boat, and crew all leave to go catch the rest of the blackcod and halibut quota in the far reaches of Alaska. I’m trying to not feel sorry for myself and to keep well aware of the fact that this is what we do…and have done for five generations…and we aren’t the only ones.
Many boats are leaving right now for the salmon season, the albacore season, or are already long gone. There are many wives, children, and girlfriends that feel sad right now because they’ll be without their loved ones for a few months.
Developing a summer plan for the children and me has been a big help. Our plans include:
- Teaching lots of Jazzercise at two different locations;
- Kids attending gymnastics a couple mornings a week;
- Working on my writing;
- Attending a writer’s conference;
- Playing with kids in the backyard underneath sunshine;
- Taking kids on a couple of easy trips to see friends;
- Going out on Dad’s new pleasure boat; and
- A camp out/sleepover at Uncle Ryan and Auntie Steph’s.
Each time I start to feel sad, I just remind myself that I’m not alone whether in my home, in my circle of friends and activities, or in my particular situation as the wife and mother in a commercial fishing family. It’s time to be strong for the kids and cheerful and optimistic for G.
Tryin’ my best, as always… and like everyone else does, too.
Posted on June 17, 2010, in Commercial Fishing Captain, Commercial Fishing Family, Commercial Fishing Kids, Commercial Fishing Mom, Halibut and Blackcod Longlining Season and tagged Commercial Fishing Families, Commercial Fishing Mom, commercial fishing wife, longlining. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Ditto :( F/V Mystic Lady makes the trip to Ketchikan this Sunday. Also trying not to feel sorry for myself. Hoping the dreary “Junuary” weather takes a big turn toward the sun to help lighten my mood.
See, that’s just what I’m talking about. I don’t dare spend a moment feeling sorry for myself because there are so many husbands, dads, and boyfriends leaving right now for the next couple of months. I thought also that once the sun started to shine it would be a lot easier. Are you on Facebook? Friend me!
I hope we are included in your list of visiting friends.
Of course, it’s a given! In fact, if the weather is decent, we hope to go to the Strawberry Festival tomorrow complete with face painting, free sundaes, wagon rides, mini train rides, and hot dogs. Do you want to come? I was also thinking of a trip to the Williams Resort (aka Beth’s house). Let me know. We love a road trip and it would be even better with you guys!!