Cheering Each Other On

When you make the decision to travel with your husband for his job, people make assumptions. They assume you have given up everything you have ever wanted and he has given up nothing. They assume you must have no dreams or goals of your own because you're too busy supporting his. They might even feel sorry for you because you don't live a "normal" life.

So I'm here to clarify a few things. I'm not speaking for all WAGS of course, but I'm sure some of you could give a hearty amen to what I'm about to say.

I met my husband in college right before he signed to play professionally. We did the long-distance thing for two years while I finished my degree and he began chasing the big league dream. By the time we got married and I graduated, I was ready to go with him wherever he might go because I was just ready to actually be with him.

He ended up having Tommy John surgery that year, so while he rehabbed, I studied for my dietetics exam. I got my first job as a clinical dietitian, worked hard in a stressful environment, gained tons of experience, and knew I never wanted to work in a hospital again. So when he was ready to start playing again, it was easy for me to quit.

Plus, for my career there was no time limit. I could come back to it when I was ready. For him, this was his only shot. And from the very beginning, he told me that whatever I wanted to do, he would support and cheer me on. For this season in our young married life, I wanted to experience the pro baseball adventure with him.

We were a team. I was all in.

That was 17 years ago, and we are still in professional baseball. After going through all the levels as a player, my husband is now in his seventh season of coaching. We still travel together, now with our two children, a true gypsy family. Over the years I have worked odd jobs (selling beer at the games in AA was my favorite), held leadership positions in baseball ministry, and created a freelance career for myself.

Through it all, one thing has remained the same: My husband cheers me on just as much as I cheer him on. He believes in my goals and crazy ideas. He sacrifices his time and energy to manage my unorganized business chaos. He believes in me.

Just a few minutes ago, I got a text from him saying, "I want you to do whatever brings you life."

And that's the thing, isn't it? We cheer each other on, we make sacrifices, we live unconventionally because we want our significant other to be full of life.

So don't feel sorry for me. I'm doing just fine over here.

Besides, "normal" is overrated.