Ingrid and I disagree

In a previous blog I mentioned the fact that I had been contemplating standing as a candidate in Bedhampton in the local elections in May. On Wednesday I was visited by the County Councillor and two local councillors to discuss the next stage of putting this plan into action. As you can imagine, I was flattered, even seduced, by the idea of being approached to stand and the trio were talking up my chances of even succeeding. It did my ego and my morale no end of good but I was conscious that I hadn't really talked it over with my best beloved, Ingrid. You see I spend days which mount into weeks thinking things over but have not had the opportunity for a good discussion with Ingrid. She has been very busy with the play and we have only caught glimpses of each other when the councillor idea was coming to a head. Therefore, she felt rather left out and somewhat taken aback by the speed of events.
The night of the delgation's visit we managed to talk and Ingrid was able to let me know her feelings on the issue. She is unable to understand my motive and I have failed to convince her that it would be something I would want to do. Her concerns are that she is taking early retirement to spend more time with me and yet here I am getting involved in something with which she cannot share my interest – she fears becoming a council widow. She knows that I am an impulse buyer and that I will throw myself wholeheartedly (not a pun) into any project. I pride myself on not giving less than 100% and often a whole lot more. Naturally this would level out as I got to grips with the post and responsibilities, but she feels that my health could suffer until I have fully completed the recuperation prescribed. She also believes, rightly or wrongly, that the post of councillor will prove stressful and in many ways replicate some of the reasons why I had heart trouble in the first place.
I don’t agree with all her points but can understand them. My debt to Ingrid is enormous. I certainly wouldn’t be here now except for her loyalty and support. If I cannot convince my very best and first supporter of my intentions and reasons, I don’t feel ready to take on the campaign.
I decide to withdraw my candidature and was left feeling very low on Thursday. My life is in limbo and I feel too well in myself to play the invalid for too much longer. Physically I still run out of steam and need to rest when that happens but mentally I need a focus.
On Friday I saw the consultant about the hole in my chest. He cauterised it and pronounced it well on the way to recovery. In the afternoon I saw an ex=colleague who left school a couple of years ago to form her own company as a living history enactor in schools and museums. After talking with her I was re-invigorated to think more carefully and deeply about the touring theatre company idea. She even gave me practical tips on starting up a new business. She even offered guest slots as visiting living history enactors to Ingrid and I so we could test the waters. Hooray! Onward and upward!