Long-Weekends and Overtime

Like everybody else I look forward to celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving because it means enjoying an extra long-weekend with family and friends and cooking and sharing in some delicious food. In general our weekends are busy and full of activities and errands to run, however, for John the holidays and long-weekends usually meant working overtime. Although John appreciated his weekends and time off of work, he was not one to pass up on earning double his wage in a single shift. Over the years I learned that there was no sense in talking him out of it or convincing him otherwise, he made every effort and took every opportunity to provide what he could for our family. It amazed me how he never waivered when it came to these overtime opportunities, even when I would "strongly" encourage him to pass on it and take a break from working so hard. But John did not see it that way and he was not resentful or bitter of the times he missed with us because of work, he accepted the nature of his job and he felt fortunate to have it. 

As an employee of Canada Post for the past 15 years John developed real friendships with his co-workers which made his time there more enjoyable. Throughout this past year his colleagues were extremely supportive and John appreciated everything they did for him. I know that these long-weekends and holidays will also be challenging for them as they grieve and miss their friend.

Although John worked alot, he also appreciated the small things he was able to enjoy on the weekends and the days he had off. He loved being able to sleep past 6 am and he loved getting up and going for coffee. Since we rarely went on "dates" having time together in the morning on a weekend was something we both looked forward to, especially when we knew it was going to be a busy one. Several years ago John began drinking coffee because he learned that caffeine was beneficial to his training. He always immersed himself in learning more about the latest research or trends in his sport, so it was no coincidence that John would also head to the library after grabbing his coffee. John loved the library because it allowed him to take advantage of the "free" things offered there and he didn't have to waste his money buying magazines or books that he would only read or glance over once. When I got wind of John's morning jaunts I began joing him, which then quickly became our "thing". Over the past few weeks I have come to realize how much I miss those mornings with him, particularly today. 

It is difficult to feel thankful in the midst of having lost so much, but today the boys and I will be thankful for the many weekends and holidays that he use to work and for the loving father and husband that he was!