“This is marathon, not a sprint” is something I’ve heard myself say, many times to the other NOPs on the WhatsApp groups.
Once you make the decision to remain in your relationship, or even to allow contact with your ex, there are many hurdles to get over.
The day my husband was sentenced, to serve 16 months inside, I had absolute no idea how I was going to get through the next 16 months as a single parent, raising 2 boys, working and running a home.
Yet somehow, I have already gotten through almost 13 months. My husband has just over 3 months left to go. Although I don’t know when he will be able to come home home, I know I will no longer be sailing this ship alone.
Right now I feel absolutely exhausted. My physical and mental energy is at an all time low. This week I’ve had such a bad headache and felt unbelievably tired. Everything has felt like such an effort.
It’s the last day of the summer holidays.
I’ve spread my annual leave out so most weeks I’ve only done 2 days work. However, those 2 days have been very full on due to short staffing.
I’ve juggled work, with looking after the boys, the house, the pets.
We’ve had a few short breaks away and I’ve done lots and lots of driving. Not to mention the 5 hour round trip for visits. Also lots of days outs.
I’m doing my best. As are all the other NOPs with partners in prison and juggling kids and other responsibilities..
We keep going because we have to. For our kids, for our partners and for ourselves.
I’ve just been chatting to one of the other women. She, like me, is completely exhausted. She has less to go than I do.
I’ve never ran a marathon, but I can imagine that this is how it feels….that those first few miles are the hardest, then you warm up and get through the bulk of it…keeping going one mile at a time, because you have to. Then, when you can see that finish line, your motivation and energy starts to feel depleted and you have to physically drag your exhausted self to that finish line?!
Well this is our finish line.
We can do it!!!
After the knock 
You can do it! The adrenaline and anticipation will get you there. You can collapse later and sleep for 1 week straight or have a meltdown like I did. You are the reason that Nike branded “Just do it”. Because you can and will 🍾🏅✅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks hunny. You are a real inspiration 😘❤️ xxxx
LikeLike
We all cheer each other on as we we reach our own short term and long term goals. Keep going only 96 more days to go now!! 🏃♀️🏃♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you hunny I know 🥰🙏 hopefully will see him our on a couple of ROTLs before then too 🙏🙏🙏🙏
LikeLike
Yes absolutely it’s a marathon and you are doing amazingly to be getting through each day. It’s understandably exhausting. I hope the new term brings a little respite for you, and that the remaining time your husband has left goes quickly. It will be Christmas before we know it. Sending love and strength to you xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep going!!!! There will be some water stations I’m sure to refuel along the way. But yep.. it’s a hard slog!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤣🙏 thank you I love that analogy…a few tears too 😥😥😥 xx
LikeLike