Tuckered out, but happy

During COVID, Katie was completing her graduate degree, and I was busy in my third year at UTK. Katie had three-night classes, and after I finished teaching and work, she would hand our son off and head downstairs for hours of an online class. At the time, it felt like a slog, us separate from one another, and me learning how to parent. Looking back, it felt so … lonely and sad, actually! I can laugh, gratefully.

Now things are different. COVID has thankfully resided. We live near and what feels like among friends. We are both established in our careers. And yet I feel completely, entirely tuckered out - tired, wiped out, exhausted. Not unhappy! I am. But our little beautiful daughter is waking up every night, and Katie and I lay and hold her, and bicker, and then try to laugh the next morning and get ready for another hectic day and restless night. Tuckered out, but happy. I am not sure how I will look back on it.