Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Jumping Ship

Jumping Ship

Last night, I had a mopey moment. It was partially spawned from a few direct questions about my current relationship status. I still struggle with thinking of myself as single, but it is what it is. On top of inquiries about that, I often get little stabs in the dark about other life elements. People finally get bold enough to ask some questions when rumors don’t line up with their observations. That part as been interesting to say the least.

Though I ended up bottoming out for a bit, I really didn’t mind the questions themselves. I would much rather be asked and respond myself than have inaccurate assumptions or false gossip traveling. I think it is in the stating facts that I got hung up. There is still so much hurt at the core of how our lives have changed and the way so many people abandoned the ship, if you will.

Don’t get me wrong…if you don’t want to be on the ship, you are going to drill holes in it, or you’re going to paddle the wrong direction, I don’t want you anywhere near my boat. It is just the idea of how all these things come to light.

Some people only want to be on the boat if they can be the captain. Ironically, some of those people have never even opened a water navigation guide; however, they are self-professed experts and assume you need their leadership.

Others want the cool uniforms and the paychecks, but they have no intention of working. They may look good to those glancing from afar, but they are always heading for the break room.

A few folks want to be passengers just so they can mill about on deck, splash in the pool, and enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet.

The stowaways jump on board looking for a free ride, but as soon as they realize the ship is going a different direction than they want to go or is completely dry-docked, they jump overboard and look for the next sparkling vessel to board.

Then, of course, you’ve got a few loyal shipmates. They stay up late at night making sure you stay the course and avoid icebergs. They try really hard to guard the gate and only let the right people on ship. When things get crazy, they pull out the life vests and even occasionally put you in the lifeboat just in case. They never abandon ship though.

It amazes me after all these years folks still assume so many things. From family, to employers, to Eric Church…I’ve heard all kinds of scenarios that couldn’t be further from the truth, but some people like fictionalizing our lives. It happens to A LOT of wids. One therapist said it is people’s way of justifying their abandonment and behavior. I think that’s odd, but I’m odd in lots of ways, so I’m not about to toss a stone at anyone.

I read posts from wids and other hurt people who have the same complications with people on their “boats.” My advice is to just be very careful when you’re interviewing folks for important positions in your life and be cautious with those guests you bump into on the lido deck. Not everyone wearing a lei is there for the luau.

Cup two. ?? ??

Deep breath.

Big girl pants.

Crown straightened. (Child of the King one, not any of the others lol)

Proceed into the new day…

#reflectionsfromthekitchensink
#realitycheck #jumpingship

Bio-Melinda Campbell is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. Melinda has been gaining recognition for her writings labeled “Reflections from my Kitchen Sink” since the tragic death of her husband Michael in 2015. In her stories, she shares observations from her daily life including moments she has as a solo parent, a widow, and a woman who battles significant health issues including fibromyalgia and depression. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT- New Kitchen Sink Merchandise-Click Here