To start off-to those of you who don’t know what “Harvest Widow” means, it does not mean our husbands died. It simply means that during harvest our husbands/significant others are always ‘missing in action’. Most nights are spent alone and most events attended by yourself. Many women have a problem with this and it causes friction in their relationships. I would be lying if I didn’t say it bothered me too. Granted, I’m in the field quite a bit so I don’t experience it as bad as most. That doesn’t mean I still don’t experience some ‘harvest widow’ side effects though.
As I was sitting, by myself, in my big comfy chair one night this week, I got to thinking. Being a harvest widow has its ‘ups’ too. For instance:
1.) Getting to watch whatever the heck you want on T.V.
2.) Eating your favorite meal. And maybe your husband doesn’t care for it as much as you! (Even better–since he’s not there to nibble at it, there’s more for you to eat!)
3.) You can turn the heat up in the house and he will never know! (Well, when he finds out the gas barrel is empty sooner than normal, he might question you. Innocent until proven guilty.)
4.) Enjoying some peace and quiet. (This might just be me.)
5.) Read a good book the entire night! And maybe you even are taking a hot bath at the same time.
6.) Spend some quality time with your girlfriends. This is the perfect time to hang out with your girls and not feel bad about leaving your hubby home all alone.
7.) Appreciate him so much more when he’s home.
Harvest is hard on families, marriages, and relationships. It test you to the very edge of defeat, but you pull through. As my mom says, “Always find the good in the bad”. So this year as I got lonely, I did something I wouldn’t do if he was home. I knew he was out working hard and wasn’t going to sulk at home and think about how much I hated being there by myself. It’s a team effort. It’s hard on both of us. So this year, I’m actually enjoying a few weeks of ‘Kellie Time’ and looking forward to having my husband home this winter. Post harvest always makes me remember how appreciative I am to have such a hard working man.
I hope, whether you’re in the field or at home, that you enjoy your ‘free’ time. Make that time for yourself.
Harvest blessings to all of you!
-Kellie
