Tuesday August 26th, 2008
I started missing him before he even left the house.
Because he is here. Right now.
And I am here (in my bedroom on the floor typing).
Its weird. About six years ago, my husband had a 
job that necessitated a lot of travel. For about a year he travelled up to San Jose 3 weeks out of every month from Tuesday to Thursday or Friday. He maintained this schedule for a long time and it wreaked havoc on our already fragile marriage (but that is entirely another series of posts). Since we’ve owned our own business, he hasn’t had to travel at all, at least not without us.
job that necessitated a lot of travel. For about a year he travelled up to San Jose 3 weeks out of every month from Tuesday to Thursday or Friday. He maintained this schedule for a long time and it wreaked havoc on our already fragile marriage (but that is entirely another series of posts). Since we’ve owned our own business, he hasn’t had to travel at all, at least not without us.
But this week, he is gone, not for business, but because he loves to write music. He is at the Mount Hermon Songwriter’s conference with people like Phil Wickham, Sara Groves, Joy Williams, Charlie Peacock, Don Moen and Paul Baloche. He is in the Santa Cruz mountains with all these wonderful musicians, plus a lot of people just like himself: those who love to worship and want to write music.
And I am so happy Chad is getting to have this opportunity. Back in March I went to a writer’s conference at the same retreat center and met amazing women who have become life long friends: Linda, Annie and Mel. I am praying the same for him (men, that is).
We’ve been talking about this conference for months, in fact, since I got back from mine in March. I think it was Annie who humorously named it “band camp” and me who nicknamed Phil Wickham “P ‘Dub” (PW). Inside jokes make a marriage what it should be, I think.
So when he left for the airport this morning in the dark, I missed him. Last night as we went to bed, even though he was next to me, I missed him. Yesterday morning at church, I held his hand and I missed him.
And I miss him now. At the risk of using a cliche, I really don’t know what I have until he’s gone…
At least for a few days anyway, until he comes back from band camp with some new songs and funny stories about P’Dub.
you don’t have to watch this,
but we made a short video last night for him to watch.
here are my girls…
Good Night Daddy from Sarah Markley on Vimeo.
i had the same experience sunday/monday, leaving drew in Georgia to come back up here to work and pack.
it was strange to miss him while being with him.
hi…
that’s me up there.
How cool that you both love to write!
I loved seeing your girls in “real life” – well on video.
I remember you telling me about Chad going to band camp when we met in San Diego. I am so glad he is having this opportunity. I hope it is a wonderful experience for him.
It is strange to miss them before they are even gone. It will go quickly and you will be reunited soon.
Be praying for you, and especially for him. What an opportunity!
Maybe Shauna should pray that I meet a couple of guys to connect with at Mount Hermon next year? (Inside joke)
He’s going to love that video. I’m sure he’ll have a great time at “band camp”!
Awww….my husband was away for an entire month earlier this summer and it was tough…it’s hard to be parted.
Sarah, I’d love to read/hear songs he’s written. Can I find them on his blog?
i understand the missing them before they are gone, not knowing what you have till it’s gone. michael will be photographing a wedding in tahoe next month, and i will be holding tightly to him before he goes and missing him.
oh it is wonderful that chad is at “band camp.”
a few years ago i went to a worship conference at saddleback (i’ve mentioned this before), and there is just nothing like being with bro’s and sister’s in christ who have the same passion.
when our voices lifted together singing How Great Thou Art with Chris Tomlin…ahhh, i can’t even find the words to express how magnificent it was!! when people dig deep and worship from that place , well the entire body is in the presence of God. it’s overwhelming and beautiful!
flying!
see what happens when you get me started!
and how CUTE are your girls (and your mommy voice).
You are so inspiring. Seriously. Love you, cuz.
Thanks, guys. Sara – he doesn’t have anything on his blog. but hopefully after this week he’ll have some good tools.
I feel the same way when my husband travels. It just doesn’t feel right without him.
Hope the time goes quickly!
That was so cute. I call my Hope Hopey. She got upset about a year ago because a boy called her Dopey Hopey.
She said nobody can call me Hopey but my MOM!
Hey everyone!!
Thank you all for your well wishing! I am having a great time and will be making another post tomorrow morning. I would like to do one tonight but I am SOOO tired.
And yes, I hope to have some new material ready to go very shortly!
I played the video for my Hope and she said “MOM She calls her Hope Hopey!!” She was so excited to share her nickname with a “She is so pretty Mom” girl.