Well this year has brought a great deal of change and some heartbreak. In January of this year we sat down with management and were informed that they needed us to fill some slightly new roles. Abigail was needed in-house as project manager for new and relaunching programs. Josh was needed in the field for some tours that were having troubles. He has a keen ability to come into stressed situations with a clear head and patience to fix problems. Abigail has a knack for sorting through huge lists of tasks and keeping it all organized, detail work. As you can imagine we were both excited at the opportunity to increase our skills and help out the company.
Well that was January, it’s now May and we are still on separate programs. Not to say we have not seen each other in five months but it has been limited. For two people who are used to and enjoy working together, the separation is wearing on us. The other difficulty has been the passing of Abigail’s father. While it’s never easy to say goodbye to a parent, Randy was only 60 and leaves behind a very close family.
We are two people who consider each other partners in life and in work. While some joke about how nice must to be get a break from each other, it’s not. We enjoy working together, sharing our work. Being apart while one of us going thought such a hard time has made this all even more taxing. It has also helped us look at some things differently, as grief does to anyone. We appreciate our partnership even more, thankful to have found another person who makes you feel good about yourself. We have to share our work day happenings via an evening phone calls now. Most of these conversation include a moment where you realize “wow, you are the perfect person to handle that”. The work we have both done this year really has helped us both grow and set our focus for what the rest of the year might hold.
The Roving Van Gelders 
Dear Abbey, I am so saddened by the loss of your very special Dad. I keep you and Josh in my prayers that you will again be working side by side.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Abigail. And to be apart from Josh during this time must be making it this time even more difficult. As a person who loves living and working with her husband 24/7, I hope the two of you are back on the road together soon.
Amy, of all people I know you get this.
I too had that life and work partner and life without him by my side is not the same. So happy you have that and hope your job brings you back side by side as a team very soon.
You are so amazing….. you have and continue to thrive in the midst of struggle and heartache. I am proud of you honey and my prayers and thoughts of/for you never stop.
Some people can’t understand how Robb and I can be together 23.5/7 and not be at each other’s throats. I can’t imagine it any other way for us. I can imagine how hard this must be on both of you and probably Pippi too. You are in my thoughts and prayers. This too shall pass and you’ll be back on your adventure. Hugs and woofs and arrrooos from the boyz.
Thank you Anita, it has been hard on Pippi. She is not herself. We have just a little more time apart but Josh is going to take her with him next week.