I can't believe that March is here and the deployment is almost over. We made it. I truly, on some days, didn't think we would survive. This has been the hardest thing I've even gone through. But I am so thankful that God has used this trial to strengthen us individually and as a family. We have so much to be thankful for.
I am counting down the days but it seems that the last few weeks are the hardest....does the time stand still? I swear some times I look at the clock and it hasn't even moved.
But I do know it's coming because we are going through the motions of wrapping things up. I have already received a 42 lb Tuff Box that Dee shipped home of things he doesn't have room to bring home. I have ordered Welcome Home signs! We are searching for Dee a job for when he gets home, completes the two schools he has. (hoping to start a job in September) It is stressful not to know your future....but I do know this. God knows our future and he will not let us fall completely on our face as long as we stay faithful and trust HIM.
Thank you all for supporting Dee and our family these past 15 months. It's been a journey, not one I want to repeat anytime soon, but neither the less, a journey to grow through. I don't know how I personally could have survived this time without a loving family, excellent friends and a good church home. Thank you for sending Dee emails, cards, care packages etc. But most of all, thank you for praying for his safety. Continue to do so for a little while longer. Let's get these guys home.
Remember, if though our GA soldiers (48th) will all be home by mid April, there are 1000's of other soldiers that still need your prayers. Don't forget them. Some from the 48th paid the ultimate sacrifice and we need to remember and continue to pray for the other soldiers still fighting for our freedom and keeping us safe on the homefront.
Love you all!
Lori
Monday, March 1, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
long time no see
I started this in the beginning to help me with getting through the deployment. I think my last post was in August because at that point, we started school and going through a routine every day. There were good days and bad days for sure, but mostly we were doing fine. Also, in October, my dad had some medical problems and was in the hospital for 6 wks so that kept us focused on him instead of the loneliness. Then in December, Dee came home for 15 days R&R. It was a mess getting him home with several days in Germany, stuck because the plane there were to board home had a fuel leak. Praise God they found it on the ground, BEFORE it took off. So this delayed his arrival several times. But he finally landed on the ground around midnight Dec 5th officially. His leave started on the 6th and he left on the 21st. I think if it wasn't for the soldiers needing a break, a change of scenerio...I'd almost say it's not worth it. This goodbye was 10 times worse than the original one. I was a mess in the airport and on the tram back to baggage area. I cried for several days, but especially on Christmas Eve. Found out Dee had a chance to change his dates so he could be home for Christmas, but he was afraid to do so, because when you make changes in the Army, it can really mess things up. So it was hard to swallow...that he could have been home. Then Christmas Day, I decided to pull up my bootstraps and put on my Single Mom hat again and move forward. And that's what I did. I got back in to a routine. Dee arrived back on base the afternoon of Dec. 25th, in time to hang up his Christmas lights in his Hooch. New Years Eve came and went without much hoopla.
Not long after Dee got on base, he found out he would be moving to a different office on the base. Part of his job included leaving the base twice a week, in a convoy. This really disturbed me and still does. I have really struggled with this. I have a hard time sleeping on the nights I know he is off base.(His daytime is our nighttime) So I try to pray and find peace about it. But I still seem to be uneasy and unable to rest until I heard back from him, that he is safe and sound. This weekend, I finally said, after having so many physical symptoms of stress, "I have got to find peace and stop worrying. I know he is surrounded in prayer and angels are protecting him!" So I made up my mind to let it go. So the first time was last night....I went to bed without worrying. I wake up this morning and find out that a suicide bomber targeted a convoy in front of the base, waiting to reenter. Are you kidding me? How do I find peace? That could have been my husband. God did protect him and he is fine...but I feel like the rug has been ripped out from under me again. I broke down and just cried today.
Some of you may say, "Well, they signed up for this....they knew this was coming." Well, yes, we did sign up for the National Guard. But we even talked about it and thought this war would be over before three years rolled around and he would have to be deployed. And even if we knew up front war was in the equation, the worry is still there. We are still a family without a husband/father. Those on active duty that KNOW Without a doubt they will be deployed, worry as well. Yes, my husband chose to join something bigger than us...something to give back to his country....but please be patient with me when I have a bad day.
The soldiers are all struggling as well. Time is getting short and you would think that would make things better, but it doesn't. The weather is cold, it gets dark very early so many don't see much daylight. They are starting to wind down and get ready to come home. So they are sitting and waiting on the days to go by....and the days are crawling by much slower than before. There is a lot of depression going on there. They even had a suicide awareness class this week. So I am praying for all of them. Dee had a few days he was down this weekend but seems better.
On a good note, Dee and I have been praying that God would use us individually and that has really happened. We have found God using us in many counseling situations seperately. This has given us some direction for when he comes home. God has really blessed our marriage and we feel God is going to use this in some way when he gets back. Maybe help counsel other couples, or teach a marriage class? Who knows....but I do know we are both willing to serve how ever the Lord sees fit. I am blessed to have my soulmate that understands me and helps to carry me through on those days like today. He is such a blessing and I thank God for him every day!
We are down to less than 80 days....(worst case scenario) and counting down!
Not long after Dee got on base, he found out he would be moving to a different office on the base. Part of his job included leaving the base twice a week, in a convoy. This really disturbed me and still does. I have really struggled with this. I have a hard time sleeping on the nights I know he is off base.(His daytime is our nighttime) So I try to pray and find peace about it. But I still seem to be uneasy and unable to rest until I heard back from him, that he is safe and sound. This weekend, I finally said, after having so many physical symptoms of stress, "I have got to find peace and stop worrying. I know he is surrounded in prayer and angels are protecting him!" So I made up my mind to let it go. So the first time was last night....I went to bed without worrying. I wake up this morning and find out that a suicide bomber targeted a convoy in front of the base, waiting to reenter. Are you kidding me? How do I find peace? That could have been my husband. God did protect him and he is fine...but I feel like the rug has been ripped out from under me again. I broke down and just cried today.
Some of you may say, "Well, they signed up for this....they knew this was coming." Well, yes, we did sign up for the National Guard. But we even talked about it and thought this war would be over before three years rolled around and he would have to be deployed. And even if we knew up front war was in the equation, the worry is still there. We are still a family without a husband/father. Those on active duty that KNOW Without a doubt they will be deployed, worry as well. Yes, my husband chose to join something bigger than us...something to give back to his country....but please be patient with me when I have a bad day.
The soldiers are all struggling as well. Time is getting short and you would think that would make things better, but it doesn't. The weather is cold, it gets dark very early so many don't see much daylight. They are starting to wind down and get ready to come home. So they are sitting and waiting on the days to go by....and the days are crawling by much slower than before. There is a lot of depression going on there. They even had a suicide awareness class this week. So I am praying for all of them. Dee had a few days he was down this weekend but seems better.
On a good note, Dee and I have been praying that God would use us individually and that has really happened. We have found God using us in many counseling situations seperately. This has given us some direction for when he comes home. God has really blessed our marriage and we feel God is going to use this in some way when he gets back. Maybe help counsel other couples, or teach a marriage class? Who knows....but I do know we are both willing to serve how ever the Lord sees fit. I am blessed to have my soulmate that understands me and helps to carry me through on those days like today. He is such a blessing and I thank God for him every day!
We are down to less than 80 days....(worst case scenario) and counting down!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A Long Night
The election in Afghanistan is quickly approaching, but not quickly enough. I just want it over. The Taliban is determined to use any tactics they can to scare the peopld so they won't come out and vote. Since Saturday, a suicide bomber blew up a car in a major city, killing 7 and injuring almost 100. Some were children selling gum to soldiers. Then just two days later, missiles were fired in to the city. THEN another Suicide bomber.
Then tonight, through other sources, the Army wives received word that an IED exploded outside the base and killed one soldier. No names given. So we are all waiting to hear from our husbands and now Dee is 45 mins late calling me. I am praying he is late because he is so busy working due to the violence; doing his job. But I don't know that until I hear from him.
How do you have faith so strong as to not worry? I try. I worry, cry a little, then try and toughen up and pray and pray and pray, then read bible verses and my book "Faith Deployed". God is my strength and as I sit here trying to occupy my mind, I know HE is in control and I take comfort that HE already knew what would happen before it ever happened. But this is still my husband and I am still human. The "Not knowing" is the hardest part.
These next few days are going to be long and sleepless for sure. I can't imagine what our soldiers go through every day. They are trained to do their jobs and go in to action when called. BUT are they afraid? Do they have fear? I'm sure, but in a different way.
Tonight, as I heard the report about the soldier, I started crying and praying outloud, obviously too loud. My oldest woke up and came in here and gave me a big hug. I try hard to shield them from the daily news, the daily worries of where the bombs are..........but tonight, I didn't do so well. But I needed that hug and she is such a mature young lady, she'll be fine. This year is going to make us all stronger. We'll all learn more how to depend on each other, but also how to stand strong in the face of adversity. AND most importantly, stand strong in our faith.
Please pray with me as this week unfolds.
Then tonight, through other sources, the Army wives received word that an IED exploded outside the base and killed one soldier. No names given. So we are all waiting to hear from our husbands and now Dee is 45 mins late calling me. I am praying he is late because he is so busy working due to the violence; doing his job. But I don't know that until I hear from him.
How do you have faith so strong as to not worry? I try. I worry, cry a little, then try and toughen up and pray and pray and pray, then read bible verses and my book "Faith Deployed". God is my strength and as I sit here trying to occupy my mind, I know HE is in control and I take comfort that HE already knew what would happen before it ever happened. But this is still my husband and I am still human. The "Not knowing" is the hardest part.
These next few days are going to be long and sleepless for sure. I can't imagine what our soldiers go through every day. They are trained to do their jobs and go in to action when called. BUT are they afraid? Do they have fear? I'm sure, but in a different way.
Tonight, as I heard the report about the soldier, I started crying and praying outloud, obviously too loud. My oldest woke up and came in here and gave me a big hug. I try hard to shield them from the daily news, the daily worries of where the bombs are..........but tonight, I didn't do so well. But I needed that hug and she is such a mature young lady, she'll be fine. This year is going to make us all stronger. We'll all learn more how to depend on each other, but also how to stand strong in the face of adversity. AND most importantly, stand strong in our faith.
Please pray with me as this week unfolds.
Monday, August 3, 2009
August is Here
Well, Dee has been gone from the US for 6 wks now. Sure has gone by very very slowly! He has requested his R & R for the first two weeks of December and it looks like that will probably be granted. But nothing is ever written in stone.
Temporary Housing was supposed to be just a few weeks. There are 200 guys crammed in one long bunker/barrack. It's getting hotter there, and tempers are starting to flare. Recently, Dee has been working 8 hr shifts and that was nice for us to talk. I usually could talk to him before he went to bed, and he'd call us before we went to bed. We had gotten in to a routine and it was getting much easier. But now he is on a 12 hour shift at night. The time difference doesn't allow us much time for us to talk with school for the girls and earlier bed times. He literally just started that shift today so we don't know how it will work out but we'll make the best of it. I'm sure we'll only get one time a day but I'm thankful for that!
He also got word that his temporary housing is going to be probably another 6 wks. He can't wait to get in his own housing area. Right now, trying to sleep in the daytime, with so many others that don't respect those sleeping, the flies are horrible, the temperature is very hot to sleep in.....so he's not sure he'll be able to sleep. I am looking for a clip on type fan he can plug in to use on his bed. Hopefully the noise and the breeze will help. So far, no luck finding one.
Probably one of the things that is difficult is alot of the guys are single so it's hard to have things in common. And many that are married, don't value their marriage and think of this time as a vacation from their family, time to let rules go out the window. Dee does have a few friends there with the same values and beliefs so I'm praying they will all find time for each other.
Dee said they started a Southern Baptist church service Sunday but he wasn't able to go because of work. He is hoping to make it this Sunday.
He has been enjoying shopping from locals, buying his family presents. He says they have beautiful scarves and jewelry. I get a package in the mail soon, this week. Can't wait to see the goodies!
Dee has said that if anyone wants to do something, please do it for the local kids there. He doesn't need anything really but the kids and teens there don't even have soap to take a bath. The medic goes out and has contact with these children, so I will be collecting shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc....especially in travel sizes so we can make up some zip lock bags as a set. So I will have a box in the S.S. room for those that go to FBC. When it's full, I'll ship it.
Those close by, but not at our church, just let me know and I'll meet you somewhere. My Mom's S.S. class is calling this Operation Dee! How cute. They have really taken him under their wing.
Beverly, thank you for adopting Dee and taking care of the personal items he has needed, along with snacks. You're the best!
Love to you all. Thank you for the prayers!
Lori
Temporary Housing was supposed to be just a few weeks. There are 200 guys crammed in one long bunker/barrack. It's getting hotter there, and tempers are starting to flare. Recently, Dee has been working 8 hr shifts and that was nice for us to talk. I usually could talk to him before he went to bed, and he'd call us before we went to bed. We had gotten in to a routine and it was getting much easier. But now he is on a 12 hour shift at night. The time difference doesn't allow us much time for us to talk with school for the girls and earlier bed times. He literally just started that shift today so we don't know how it will work out but we'll make the best of it. I'm sure we'll only get one time a day but I'm thankful for that!
He also got word that his temporary housing is going to be probably another 6 wks. He can't wait to get in his own housing area. Right now, trying to sleep in the daytime, with so many others that don't respect those sleeping, the flies are horrible, the temperature is very hot to sleep in.....so he's not sure he'll be able to sleep. I am looking for a clip on type fan he can plug in to use on his bed. Hopefully the noise and the breeze will help. So far, no luck finding one.
Probably one of the things that is difficult is alot of the guys are single so it's hard to have things in common. And many that are married, don't value their marriage and think of this time as a vacation from their family, time to let rules go out the window. Dee does have a few friends there with the same values and beliefs so I'm praying they will all find time for each other.
Dee said they started a Southern Baptist church service Sunday but he wasn't able to go because of work. He is hoping to make it this Sunday.
He has been enjoying shopping from locals, buying his family presents. He says they have beautiful scarves and jewelry. I get a package in the mail soon, this week. Can't wait to see the goodies!
Dee has said that if anyone wants to do something, please do it for the local kids there. He doesn't need anything really but the kids and teens there don't even have soap to take a bath. The medic goes out and has contact with these children, so I will be collecting shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc....especially in travel sizes so we can make up some zip lock bags as a set. So I will have a box in the S.S. room for those that go to FBC. When it's full, I'll ship it.
Those close by, but not at our church, just let me know and I'll meet you somewhere. My Mom's S.S. class is calling this Operation Dee! How cute. They have really taken him under their wing.
Beverly, thank you for adopting Dee and taking care of the personal items he has needed, along with snacks. You're the best!
Love to you all. Thank you for the prayers!
Lori
Monday, July 20, 2009
Getting Settled
Dee left Indiana on June 22nd and it took them 6 days to arrive on base. That was a long week for sure. They stopped in several countries and stayed in Krygyzstan for a few days. Since then, he has gotten set up in temporary housing amongst 200 soldiers piled in there. He can't unpack because there isn't any room so for a month and 1/2 or so, he's living out of his bags. They started out only working 4 hrs, but now they are on 8 hour shifts until the other unit transfers command some time in August. At that point, Dee will be working a 12 hour shift. When Dee first arrived, the only communication was a military phone for the soldiers to use that cuts off after 15 mins. Usually he'd have to stand in line to use it. Then they had military computers set up for personal use that you could log in for 30 mins....and there was always a line there. Even when we did talk, most times, we got disconnected after 6-8 mins. It was frustrating but good to hear from him. Finally, they put wireless internet in the temporary housing and Dee paid for the internet use ($100 a month). But it is so worth it! Just this past weekend, we finally got Skype Video chat and Yahoo chat set up. I got to see him for the first time in a month, via video. He looks so good and is so handsome!! I absolutely loved seeing his beautiful smile and hearing his contagious laugh! I just felt such a relief to have made this kind of connection with him.
Dee and I have talked via video chat several times now and since they have alot of down time right now (until the other unit leaves) we just chat. Last night (morning for him) we just played Chinese checkers online with each other! What a wonderful thing to be able to connect in this way. We both felt so much better and we feel like we can get through this year. It won't be as hard now. There will be lots of changes and depending on when his 12 hour shift is, might effect our ability to talk...but we are praying for a shift that will allow the girls to see him and talk to him. I can stay up late and get little sleep but they can't.
Dee and I have been talking about how blessed we are. We know that so many soldiers end up divorced after a seperation like this. But we have chosen to dig deep and stay positive through it all. God is our stronghold and has guided us along the way. We prayed that God would bless our marriage and he has. This past month, we feel like newlyweds all over again. After 14 yrs of marriage, I can say I love him more than ever. Because we spend quality time talking about our lives together and planning for the future. Things we might have taken for granted before, we cherish now. I know this is the silver lining in all this. As well as God using this time to bring each of us closer to HIM!
Dee sees many men cheating on their wives and just being stupid! But we know we have to best marriage on the planet and can't wait to celebrate that together when he returns. I foresee a renewal of vows when he returns! I am very proud of Dee and all he is doing there. He is an amazing man and very smart! God has blessed me so much with such a wonderful, Godly husband.
We went to the beach last week and stayed with another Army family in a very nice condo right on the beach. I felt better than I have in a very long time. The beach and the atmosphere helps my fibro tremendously. My prayer now is for God to open an opportunity for Dee near the beach, when Dee returns. We are so ready to move!
We have been keeping busy. Two wks ago, another Army family came down here from New York and we met in Atlanta and stayed at a hotel and then went to the aquarium. It was so much fun.
Then last week at Ormond Beach, Fl, near Daytona.
We came home, washed clothes, repacked and got Jessie ready for camp. She left this morning for a camp with the church in Tennessee. She'll be back Friday then we have Jolie's bday party Saturday at a local gymnastics place. FUN!
School starts for us on Aug. 10th. We are homeschooling again this year and using a new curriculum. We are very excited about that!
Dee has been blessed with several boxes of things and has enjoyed reading some new books. Right now, he doesn't have any items he needs but once he gets in permanent housing, he may need to restock some personal items.
Thank you for praying for Dee and for our family. It is very obvious that the prayers are heard and being answered.
Love,
Lori
Dee and I have talked via video chat several times now and since they have alot of down time right now (until the other unit leaves) we just chat. Last night (morning for him) we just played Chinese checkers online with each other! What a wonderful thing to be able to connect in this way. We both felt so much better and we feel like we can get through this year. It won't be as hard now. There will be lots of changes and depending on when his 12 hour shift is, might effect our ability to talk...but we are praying for a shift that will allow the girls to see him and talk to him. I can stay up late and get little sleep but they can't.
Dee and I have been talking about how blessed we are. We know that so many soldiers end up divorced after a seperation like this. But we have chosen to dig deep and stay positive through it all. God is our stronghold and has guided us along the way. We prayed that God would bless our marriage and he has. This past month, we feel like newlyweds all over again. After 14 yrs of marriage, I can say I love him more than ever. Because we spend quality time talking about our lives together and planning for the future. Things we might have taken for granted before, we cherish now. I know this is the silver lining in all this. As well as God using this time to bring each of us closer to HIM!
Dee sees many men cheating on their wives and just being stupid! But we know we have to best marriage on the planet and can't wait to celebrate that together when he returns. I foresee a renewal of vows when he returns! I am very proud of Dee and all he is doing there. He is an amazing man and very smart! God has blessed me so much with such a wonderful, Godly husband.
We went to the beach last week and stayed with another Army family in a very nice condo right on the beach. I felt better than I have in a very long time. The beach and the atmosphere helps my fibro tremendously. My prayer now is for God to open an opportunity for Dee near the beach, when Dee returns. We are so ready to move!
We have been keeping busy. Two wks ago, another Army family came down here from New York and we met in Atlanta and stayed at a hotel and then went to the aquarium. It was so much fun.
Then last week at Ormond Beach, Fl, near Daytona.
We came home, washed clothes, repacked and got Jessie ready for camp. She left this morning for a camp with the church in Tennessee. She'll be back Friday then we have Jolie's bday party Saturday at a local gymnastics place. FUN!
School starts for us on Aug. 10th. We are homeschooling again this year and using a new curriculum. We are very excited about that!
Dee has been blessed with several boxes of things and has enjoyed reading some new books. Right now, he doesn't have any items he needs but once he gets in permanent housing, he may need to restock some personal items.
Thank you for praying for Dee and for our family. It is very obvious that the prayers are heard and being answered.
Love,
Lori
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Dee is on his way
Well, We were truly blessed to have Dee home for a total of 11 days before he had to return. We didn't do anything "special" but to me, just being together is special. We went out to eat at his favorite restaurants so he could get his "fix" before being without for a year. This past week has been Music camp and I am a Co-director of the play portion and help out as much as possible. Dee was more than happy to come and help out and just be by my side. We worked every day together and both enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the performance is Sunday night and he will miss it. (tonight)
I think Music Camp kept my mind focused on other things most of the day on Friday. But once we left the church around 3 pm, I just couldn't deny it any more. He was leaving in a few hours. I broke down and cried all the way to my parent's house. I was trying to hide it from the girls but just started sobbing and couldn't. We made it to my folks to say goodbye and pick up a goody bag. I broked down again hugging them! Geez! Is there no end? Then we got home and quickly packed up his one backpack he was able to take back. We headed to Milano's, Dee's favorite restaurant, to meet him Mom and nephew for an early dinner. While waiting, I gave Dee a huge bear hug and just started sobbing again. MAN! The waitress asked if he was just returning from war (he was in uniform). I said he was just leaving tonight and lost it again.
But, once in the car, we talked to his mom most of the way and I was able to compose myself. I even put on some makeup and tried to look presentable! We got to the airport and after jumping through some hoops, we are all able to get a security pass to go to the gate with Dee. But of course, we arrived at the gate and then they changed the gate, to another one on another concourse. So most of our visit time was spent walking around the airport. We literally just had minutes to visit before he loaded up the plane. His Mom and I really started crying and I just couldn't stop hugging Dee. I didn't want to let go. Dee teared up a little and the girls looked so dejected with tears in their eyes. He gave them two big hugs and was on the plane. The girls watched and waited for the plane to taxi as they waved their American flags. Some sweet lady, saw the tears and brought me some napkins. It was a sweet gesture. After a while, I was able to dry up my tears and we headed back to the car. I'm glad Dee's mom was with us. I know it would have been difficult by myself coming home. We talked and shared memories. We then took the kids to Steak and Shake for a milkshake. We wanted this time to be a good memory or at least something good about it. I finally got something to eat. Wasn't very hungry at Milano's!
We finally got home around 11 pm and I was totally exhausted: mentally, physically and emotionally. I thought I'd have a difficult time sleeping but the exhaustion kicked in and I was out!
Dee emailed me from the Indianapolis airport and said he was safely there and sitting in the USO lounge, waiting for the Army van to pick them up at midnight! So he just sent me an email to let me know he arrived.
I talked to him via Facebook tonight and he said he got to nap a lot today. So that's good. Tomorrow, he will work on packing. We don't know his exact schedule yet, and even if we did, I couldn't share it with you. But he leaves in a few days to head over "the pond", as they call it. At that point, I don't know when he'll be able to get in touch. It may be a week before I hear from him.
The most difficult part of today was not being able to pick up the phone to call him or text him. He left his cellphone at home because the cost is so high to use it over there. The cost is 3.99 a minute and .50 cents per text. So he has set up a Skype phone number so hopefully he'll be able to use that soon.
I feel like the next two weeks will be the toughest. Not knowing what is going on, worrying about IED's and his safe arrival into the fenced Camp area, etc. Once he's in the fence, I'll feel much better. I hope he'll be able to stay put, once he's there. Who knows!?
Thank you all for your prayers and support. I sure can feel them and I'm so thankful to have a praying family and praying church family and friends. God will see all of us through and will surround Dee with His Angels!
I think Music Camp kept my mind focused on other things most of the day on Friday. But once we left the church around 3 pm, I just couldn't deny it any more. He was leaving in a few hours. I broke down and cried all the way to my parent's house. I was trying to hide it from the girls but just started sobbing and couldn't. We made it to my folks to say goodbye and pick up a goody bag. I broked down again hugging them! Geez! Is there no end? Then we got home and quickly packed up his one backpack he was able to take back. We headed to Milano's, Dee's favorite restaurant, to meet him Mom and nephew for an early dinner. While waiting, I gave Dee a huge bear hug and just started sobbing again. MAN! The waitress asked if he was just returning from war (he was in uniform). I said he was just leaving tonight and lost it again.
But, once in the car, we talked to his mom most of the way and I was able to compose myself. I even put on some makeup and tried to look presentable! We got to the airport and after jumping through some hoops, we are all able to get a security pass to go to the gate with Dee. But of course, we arrived at the gate and then they changed the gate, to another one on another concourse. So most of our visit time was spent walking around the airport. We literally just had minutes to visit before he loaded up the plane. His Mom and I really started crying and I just couldn't stop hugging Dee. I didn't want to let go. Dee teared up a little and the girls looked so dejected with tears in their eyes. He gave them two big hugs and was on the plane. The girls watched and waited for the plane to taxi as they waved their American flags. Some sweet lady, saw the tears and brought me some napkins. It was a sweet gesture. After a while, I was able to dry up my tears and we headed back to the car. I'm glad Dee's mom was with us. I know it would have been difficult by myself coming home. We talked and shared memories. We then took the kids to Steak and Shake for a milkshake. We wanted this time to be a good memory or at least something good about it. I finally got something to eat. Wasn't very hungry at Milano's!
We finally got home around 11 pm and I was totally exhausted: mentally, physically and emotionally. I thought I'd have a difficult time sleeping but the exhaustion kicked in and I was out!
Dee emailed me from the Indianapolis airport and said he was safely there and sitting in the USO lounge, waiting for the Army van to pick them up at midnight! So he just sent me an email to let me know he arrived.
I talked to him via Facebook tonight and he said he got to nap a lot today. So that's good. Tomorrow, he will work on packing. We don't know his exact schedule yet, and even if we did, I couldn't share it with you. But he leaves in a few days to head over "the pond", as they call it. At that point, I don't know when he'll be able to get in touch. It may be a week before I hear from him.
The most difficult part of today was not being able to pick up the phone to call him or text him. He left his cellphone at home because the cost is so high to use it over there. The cost is 3.99 a minute and .50 cents per text. So he has set up a Skype phone number so hopefully he'll be able to use that soon.
I feel like the next two weeks will be the toughest. Not knowing what is going on, worrying about IED's and his safe arrival into the fenced Camp area, etc. Once he's in the fence, I'll feel much better. I hope he'll be able to stay put, once he's there. Who knows!?
Thank you all for your prayers and support. I sure can feel them and I'm so thankful to have a praying family and praying church family and friends. God will see all of us through and will surround Dee with His Angels!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Phase 1 almost over!
It's been three weeks since I last posted on my blog. I guess that means things have been going pretty smoothly. We have gotten in to a routine and are doing fine. Dee has been sick with an upper respiratory infection but went to the doctor and got an antibiotic so he's almost better. Just a lingering cough. They had to work Memorial Day which I thought was just wrong, but I guess the military keeps working to keep us safe and allow us to be able to celebrate Memorial Day. They have been working 14 hour days for the past week and they are tired, but doing well.
We had Jolie tested to see if ADHD was the only diagnosis or if there were other issues. She did test ADHD prodominantly with Hyperactivity and Impulsivity. Both doctors that saw her said she was upset about her Daddy being gone and that she is worried about him. So they suggested counseling to get her through this so we will follow their recommendations. It breaks my heart that she is struggling with it, but we do what we have to do, pray for her, and before we know it, the year will be just a distant memory.
We are counting down the days. Dee will be home in 8 days! We will have 11 days with him before he heads back to Indiana. Then at some point, they will be flying to Aghanistan. I can not share with you a specific date for security reasons, but just be praying for him.
We are very excited about the time he has at home before going off again. I do worry that the feelings we struggled through before will resurface. BUT I pray it will be easier this time, since we know how to function day to day now. I call his time in training Phase 1. Phase 2 is the time in Afghanistan until his R&R, probably in November or December. We will get two weeks with him then.
Once he gets situated in Afghanistan, I will post his address and whatever items he may need.
We are hoping to get my laptop fixed while he is home so I can have the video cam to communicate with him. My laptop got a virus and it's not working! I miss having my "in-home" computer tech to fix the computers. He tries to talk me through things on the phone, but so far, no luck with the laptop.
Life goes on and we are truly blessed. Dee and I celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary this week, on the 27th. This is the first time we've been apart, but we will celebrate when he gets home. I just feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, and terrific dad for our girls! Every day, I wake up so full of life and know that I have someone that loves me back, just as much as I love him!
This past week, Jolie lost her first tooth and the tooth fairy came to visit will in the mountains on vacation! There we were, in a house of 10 family members, and all of us willing to pull it. She goes to my niece's boyfriend, the only non-blood relative there, and he pulls it. That is so funny to me. But she is so in love with him anyway! She told my niece she couldn't marry him because she loved him!
Then Jolie learned to really ride her 2 wheel bike! She had learned a few months ago, to ride a few feet. But now, she can ride, turn, ride in the grass, etc. She just took off! So her birthday is in July and guess what she wants? A new bike!
Jessie is growing up too fast. She is turning in to a beautiful young lady. She and I joined the fitness center in town and it's been a great thing for just the two of us to enjoy together. She feels so grown up and it is a special time for us. We trying to eat better and work out several times a week. I pray this sets her up for a good life skills, she can use the rest of her life.
I am still struggling with my wrist, from overuse on the computer. Imagine that! LOL I have started PT on it and with the water aerobics, I think it'll be better soon! We also joined the pool where my Mother In Law lives so we will be doing a lot of swimming which will help.
8 more days! I can' wait. We decided to not spend time traveling but just to allow Dee to be home and visit friends and family. We will not only celebrate our anniversary, but will celebrate Jolie's bday and Dee's bday. So lots of celebrating going on!
Wonder if Milano's will let us celebrate Dee's bday early? Usually they check your driver's license. Maybe if I explain, they will.
Thank you all for the prayers for Dee and our family. It really means so much and has helped us get through Phase 1. Keep praying as Phase 2 is fast approaching.
We had Jolie tested to see if ADHD was the only diagnosis or if there were other issues. She did test ADHD prodominantly with Hyperactivity and Impulsivity. Both doctors that saw her said she was upset about her Daddy being gone and that she is worried about him. So they suggested counseling to get her through this so we will follow their recommendations. It breaks my heart that she is struggling with it, but we do what we have to do, pray for her, and before we know it, the year will be just a distant memory.
We are counting down the days. Dee will be home in 8 days! We will have 11 days with him before he heads back to Indiana. Then at some point, they will be flying to Aghanistan. I can not share with you a specific date for security reasons, but just be praying for him.
We are very excited about the time he has at home before going off again. I do worry that the feelings we struggled through before will resurface. BUT I pray it will be easier this time, since we know how to function day to day now. I call his time in training Phase 1. Phase 2 is the time in Afghanistan until his R&R, probably in November or December. We will get two weeks with him then.
Once he gets situated in Afghanistan, I will post his address and whatever items he may need.
We are hoping to get my laptop fixed while he is home so I can have the video cam to communicate with him. My laptop got a virus and it's not working! I miss having my "in-home" computer tech to fix the computers. He tries to talk me through things on the phone, but so far, no luck with the laptop.
Life goes on and we are truly blessed. Dee and I celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary this week, on the 27th. This is the first time we've been apart, but we will celebrate when he gets home. I just feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, and terrific dad for our girls! Every day, I wake up so full of life and know that I have someone that loves me back, just as much as I love him!
This past week, Jolie lost her first tooth and the tooth fairy came to visit will in the mountains on vacation! There we were, in a house of 10 family members, and all of us willing to pull it. She goes to my niece's boyfriend, the only non-blood relative there, and he pulls it. That is so funny to me. But she is so in love with him anyway! She told my niece she couldn't marry him because she loved him!
Then Jolie learned to really ride her 2 wheel bike! She had learned a few months ago, to ride a few feet. But now, she can ride, turn, ride in the grass, etc. She just took off! So her birthday is in July and guess what she wants? A new bike!
Jessie is growing up too fast. She is turning in to a beautiful young lady. She and I joined the fitness center in town and it's been a great thing for just the two of us to enjoy together. She feels so grown up and it is a special time for us. We trying to eat better and work out several times a week. I pray this sets her up for a good life skills, she can use the rest of her life.
I am still struggling with my wrist, from overuse on the computer. Imagine that! LOL I have started PT on it and with the water aerobics, I think it'll be better soon! We also joined the pool where my Mother In Law lives so we will be doing a lot of swimming which will help.
8 more days! I can' wait. We decided to not spend time traveling but just to allow Dee to be home and visit friends and family. We will not only celebrate our anniversary, but will celebrate Jolie's bday and Dee's bday. So lots of celebrating going on!
Wonder if Milano's will let us celebrate Dee's bday early? Usually they check your driver's license. Maybe if I explain, they will.
Thank you all for the prayers for Dee and our family. It really means so much and has helped us get through Phase 1. Keep praying as Phase 2 is fast approaching.
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