When my husband is away (usually on some nerdy studly economics conference), I pack up an overnight bag and move into a girlfriend’s house for the night. More than anything else, I absolutely HATE being alone in the house. Especially at night. Even though I’ve put so much effort into “pretty-fying” my house (yes, darling husband, we NEEDED that 12th lamp) and making it “ghost and ant and spiders and stranger” free, I still have the sneaking suspicion that if I stay home alone, a goblin or some other scary thing will come and get me. (Shiver me timbers… just thinking about it gives me the heeby jeebies!) Daytime Christine is totally fine with alone activities: I can eat alone, work out alone, stare at the wall alone, anything! It’s like I have superpowers operated by the sun. Come nighttime though, I am as helpless as an owner of a sick goldfish. And don’t get me started on going to bed alone either: I’m all about heading to bed at the same time as the husband (unless I’m mad at him, of course). Gee, I’m really making myself out to be a may-juh LOSER.
Anyway, it’s important for me to tell you about my sorry sorry self so that you can appreciate what a superstar woman this mum of three is. Her husband Aaron has been overseas for the past six months, training and developing the Afghan National Army (I know, right??!). While he’s been away, she’s been juggling three beautiful kids, a long distance marriage, and dealing with fear everyday for the safety of her husband of nearly a decade. Aaron only just returned to Australia last Wednesday; and 72 hours later, I got to meet him, jet-lagged and all, at our family session.
It’s clear to me that both Jen and their beautiful children absolutely adore having Aaron back in their lives. And you can guess how privileged I felt being able to photograph their reunion and love for one another. Families like theirs make me swoon. Women like Jen make me want to embrace my independence, and forgo my ridiculous late-night goblin fears. :) Thanks so much for such a wonderful afternoon…I really had the best time. And Aaron: Welcome Home!
