An Offer I Almost Couldn't Refuse

Recently, a group connected with Emily's List and MoveOn.org interviewed me for a job. They offered to pay for a week-long training seminar in Washington DC before shipping me out to work for different campaigns. Of course, I told them I have two little boys who need me right now and so I couldn't possibly go on a national tour. I also gave many reasons why I could still attend the all-expenses-paid training at least: to improve my teaching, help out the Jim Davis for Governor campaign, etc. Sadly, they needed me full-time or not at all.

While flattered to have made the cut, I'd be lying if I said this didn't hurt a little. I would love to live the campaign life. However, I love my children more. This led to an interesting conversation with my brother, who has been married only a year. After listening to the story, Michael sighed and said,

"Yeah, once you get married, you can't be running all over the country on your own."

I paused for a moment.

"Sure I could," I said. "It's being a devoted mommy that keeps me grounded. Otherwise, I'd take off and come home on weekends."

Long pause.

"I'm not comfortable with that at all," Michael said. "The elections aren't until November. Chelsie and I couldn't take being apart that long."

"Give it ten years," I said.

I asked my husband what he'd do if I was offered such a job sans-children. He said he'd pack my bags.

Are we cold and callous? I don't think so. We love each other very much and ground work has been laid to support time apart in pursuit of individual dreams. I'm secure and so is he. Besides, there's only one thing I can't do as a married woman - everything else is up for grabs.

It's nice to know I have options. Maybe in about twelve years, when my boys head off to college, I just might head off myself.

And my bags will already be packed for me.