The Best Part of My Day

I woke up at 5:30 a.m. and by 1:46 p.m., I hadn't slowed down once.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with the work load on my plate right now.

Haven't bathed.

Haven't brushed my hair.

Haven't brushed my teeth (and I was a dental hygienist for 12 years so that's something I highly frown upon.)

I even found myself dancing around like a little kid while I was working this afternoon because I had to go pee so bad, but didn't have the time for it.

In fact, I've been doing this for weeks now and am probably going to be doing it for awhile longer.

Normally Josh is here to slow me down.

To pull me away from the computer long enough to catch my breath.

To make me laugh. (I wonder how many days it has been since I laughed?)

But at 1:47, while frantically searching my hard-drive for a photo I needed for class, I stumbled across this...

I don't even remember taking it but my shooting information said that I took it back in April of 2009.

Must have been one of those weekends that we spend at the new, old house, trying to fix it up before we moved in.

It was about 25 miles from where we were living at the time, but we spent every single weekend there working on it for months.

I used to be so excited when we pulled in the drive-way every Friday night and so sad when we locked the door behind us every Sunday evening before heading back home because the old, new house didn't feel like home anymore and the new, old house did so I didn't want to leave it.

We slept on the floor in sleeping bags, ate take-out almost every night and made at least 40 trips to Lowe's every weekend.

And Josh always sat out on the front porch at the end of the day with a beer, waiting for me to join him. It was the best part of the day.

Have been staring at this shot for probably 15 minutes now. 

It's the first time I've stopped to really breathe all day.

And it's the first time I've smiled.

I might even run downstairs to go pee now.

And if you're reading this Josh Downs...You're the best part of my day, every day - even when you're not here.

Comments

[CindyJ]

Not only do I wish I could take pictures like you do, I now wish I could write like you do!

This post actually made me teary - so lovely! Thank you for sharing it.

[Nicky from Canada]

He made you catch your breathe just when you needed to - but also take your breathe away!!

[Selina]

I'm glad that he has made you stop for a bit. Lovely post. :)

[cinback]

You just made me realize that I need more shots of my hubby!

[Stacy]

This is the first time I've seen Annie when I look at Josh Downs. :)

[Kelli]

How sweet!

[sheila]

I had to laugh when I read about you wiggling around like a kid having to pee. With 5 kids (and one that is a nursing baby-so I drink lots of water), I am often in the leg crossed bouncy position.....and it's usually my husband that reminds me to go do it...
By the end of the post, I was teary...I'm so grateful for my husband who is home everyday after work, and I am so grateful for YOUR husband (and my brother, and thousands of other men and women) who help me to feel safe when I tuck those five children into bed every night.

[N.Prather :)]

Karen :) the burning question is WHEN is your lover pie coming home ? Love your blog and always inspired by your unforgettable photographs and unforgettable blog !!!! Loves it :)

[diane]

glad you stopped ... breathed...smiled...and peed xx

[Monica]

I am still trying to figure out how to move next door to you for the next year so I can mow your lawn and stuff...Thank you Josh for every weekend, every moment, every memory, every second that you are missing out on. In the minds of my family, it will not be in vain.

[Corrine]

It's almost always the really important things that get us to stop and breathe...looks like this was one of those really important things. So glad you found something to smile about today.

[janel]

And I know that the best part of his day is reading your blog! So glad you stopped to smell the roses.......better go get some flowers for yourself to celebrate Friday...just like when Josh Downs is home.

[Catherine]

Tears in my eyes. What a beautiful reflection on your day.

[mandy friend]

now i'm crying. and i think i've been quite selfish to complain about hunting season being upon us...thanks for the reminder<3

[Lori]

Thanks for taking the time to post this for all of us to reflect on our loved ones as well. Hugs to you. Wish your sweetie was home. But MANY thanks for his service to our country. Keep smiling!

[kribss]

one of my favorite sayings/paintings. i can't find the original owner but i have it posted here: http://kribss.blogspot.com/2009/12/message-to-my-kids-word.html

[Tracy]

You were just meant to find that picture...coincidence? i think not....
You should frame that and put it right next to your computer...so you remember to slow down and breathe :)
Jeff has an interview in town next Wednesday...I pray he gets this job...I can't wait for him to move home!!!
Hang in there my friend. Hugs!!!

[ellen patton]

You are such a great writer. And person.

[Lauren]

Sweet memories -- and sweet picture of your hubby. I know you must miss him and I really do not know how you can mentally do it. You are one strong woman.

[Aurora]

Oh Karen! I hope you took the time to go pee. The look on Josh Down's face in that picture made me feel calm. Sending you a big hug!

[Michelle Last]

What a lovely photo, print it out and pin it on your computer screen so that Josh can remind you to breathe and be kind to yourself xx

[whitneybens@yahoo.com]

Tears! Such a sweet dedication to your handsome hubby.

[Jules]

Glad you ran across that photo and breathed it all in. (Then peed.) There are no coincidences and running across that photo was well timed. I hope you have more moments to breathe deeply and SLOW DOWN, just like you teach us to do when taking a photo. {hug}

[Sharla]

Love this post. And I agree - I totally see Annie in this shot. It's the eyes.

[melinda]

Now thats the blessing of photography! A photo that can bring back all those memories, just at a glance. I bet you are missing him to pieces. Im not sure how long he is gone for, but i hope it just flies by...esp with you being too busy to pee and all!