Military Families
Hey all, I’m posting today about a part of my life I don’t often talk about. I have two son-in-laws and both have served their country; one is still active duty. He recently returned from his second deployment. When these men came into our lives the truism: what affects one, affects us all, became our reality in a deeper way. I love these two guys, and they’re exactly what I wished for my daughters.
There are families out there that are stationed very far away from home. Life changes down the line when that happens. Our youngest daughter is currently in Alaska, and it’s been a year since I’ve seen her. I know….too long. We’ll be visiting them soon, plans are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to hold them all again in my arms. My firstborn misses having a sister close by, and the grandkids miss their cousins. I remember a time my oldest daughter was stationed in upstate N.Y. with her military husband, and I was separated from her in the same way. We all pulled together as a family and survived.
During deployments, news becomes more than a place to check the local weather out; it becomes a scary peek into what might be happening in certain areas. I’m so grateful my son-in-laws returned home safely from their deployments. My heart goes out to those brave men and women who never made it home.
I want to thank all those who serve our country, and thank the brave men and women left behind with families to raise. In some cases on their own, since they too are far away from home. I know your pain and fears, and wish you all well! Be safe!
July 28th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Congratulations on your SIL coming back safely! That’s wonderful! Will you be going to Alaska? I hear it’s beautiful there.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Hey Edie, yes we’re planning a trip there before fall. I can’t wait! They said it’s cooling off now, and the weather change alone will be fun.
We have four b-days to celebrate when we get there too! I mailed packages, but it wasn’t the same.
My hubby has always wanted to visit the great wilderness! I’ll be sure and post about our experience. It’ll be a Mimi and Papaw’s grand adventure tale!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Just last week, someone I was speaking with said, “When we WERE in the Iraq war…” We’re forgetting that plenty of military families are still worried and still waiting…
July 29th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Spy, that sentence is so true. We’ve all felt the same way. When my family is safe; all is well in my world.
July 31st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
So glad your boys came back safely, LaD. Not having any family or friends in the military I guess I cannot really relate to the anxiety that other families are feeling, but I can only imagine. It will be a wonderful day when all of our troops come home.
August 1st, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Liz, you’re a family gal, and I know you relate.
My wish is that one day every country will demand peace.
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 pm
LaD, I’m so glad your SIL returned safely. What a wonderful adventure for you, going to Alaska! I can’t wait to hear how wonderful it was.
August 4th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Wonderful post. Thanks for reminding us all to be grateful, not only to those who are in the military but to their families for sharing them.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Michelle, you know I’ll be sending an email to my magical gal pals when I get home!
Can’t wait!
August 6th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Thanks, Caryn! Until our daughters married military guys, I never delved deeply into the ripple effect that deployments create. But, standing in the middle was a valuable lesson. I now know the effects on family members, the struggles involved with those gone, and those left behind. Very eye-opening, and it makes one grateful in all ways.