Have you ever had to watch your loved one, your spouse, backbone leave for places unknown while you sit with the kids crying, consoling their fears and answering their difficult questions.
When is Daddy coming back?
How long is a year?
What is war?
Have you ever stayed up for 3 nights just wondering where your soldier is, waiting on that call that says
Yes, I made it okay.
Can't talk long.
I love you. Have you ever realized just how precious those words really are?
And, though it couldn't have been shorter, you appreciated every breath that was taken into the phone?
Have you ever been so relieved just to hear someone's voice?
Have you ever missed the things you thought you'd never miss?
The disagreements, the nagging, the dirty clothes. AND WHY ARE THOSE BOOTS IN THE FLOOR?
Everyday got easier. The first nights were filled with tears. The first weeks were filled with loneliness. The first months were filled with obstacles. Everyday is filled with fear.
I have fought to stay busy because I heard that if you keep yourself busy, the days will fly by. I heard that if you find something that you like to do, the days would get easier. I heard that if you just keep moving, he will be home in no time.
Everyday is still a challenge. No matter how busy I make sure I am. No matter how many meetings I volunteer to attend. No matter how many after school activities I put the kids in. I am STILL never too busy to remember that my Soldier in Iraq.
We are halfway through deployment today. 6 months in. 6 months to go, but 6 months closer till the days he comes home.
3 comments:
The good thing is that 6 months will be here before you know it.
I've never dealt with deployment but my Boo is a retired military personnel and he has described the how difficult it is. I'm glad that I met him after he retired because I don't know if he and I would still be together. I would miss him so much and to not be able to have him close by would be difficult.
I know that your hubby realizes how tough it is and he sure is sweet to make sure you know how loved you are by sending you all of the Valentine's day goodies.
Hang in there. He'll be home before you know it.
I've been through a deployment (nearly two years long) but it was before we had kids which I think is probably a whole different world. I can identify with everything you said, though, and I hope the next six months fly by as quickly as they possibly can!
No, I have never had to endure that and I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for all of you. With us talking about adoption, just the thought of having to be away from everyone for 5 days kills me. I cannot imagine a whole year. I hope this next 6 months will be faster than the first for you!!
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