As many of you are aware... my oldest son, B is deploying to Afghanistan next Wednesday. I received a phone call last night from my youngest son, John...chit-chatting about how to grocery shop for and prepare Chicken Caesar Wraps. Then comes the, "Oh, by the way...I'm deploying to Afghanistan this summer." I ask how he feels about it and replies that this is why he enlisted. (I knew this)
The mom heart never ceases to amaze me. How can so many deep emotions pump, at the same exact moment? The words, "I am so deeply proud of my sons" does not adequately define the pride. The words, "I fear for their safety" doesn't even come close to sharing the anxiety which flows which each breath. My sons are doing what they are meant to be doing, they are on a path which they are meant to follow. I want them on these journeys, for this is their life. I do love both my sons so and desire them to always follow their own hearts and minds.
So, here is my question for you... Most of my readers are Veterans, Soldiers, parents/family members of Soldiers, or friends of our Troops. How does the family and friends 'survive' deployments? Soldiers, what has helped most while so far from home?
Your turn.............
7 comments:
Airman Mom,
As you know, I just went through the deployment of a loved one and I have never been so thankful for working too much and having a daughter with a very busy schedule. Some of my toughest times were definately when I had time to let my mind wander and try to imagine what was happening at that moment thousands of miles away. Prayer, family and friends are a definate requirement to "survive" on this side of things, because there were times where I just had to talk and worry out loud and even just ramble on and I needed people who would listen and not just give me the standard line "everything will be ok". Modern technology like email, blogs and phones made things easier as well because being able to communicate so often made me feel like he wasn't so far away and I wasn't so in the dark about what was going on (not always a good thing). I can only imagine how much harder it was during WWI, WWII, Vietnam, etc when you couldn't pick up the phone and hear your loved ones voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this double deployment. I know that know matter what a piece of your heart and mind will always with your sons, but my best advice is keep your mind busy and surround yourself with loved ones and don't be afraid to express your worry or concern or have times when you "freak out" because otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy. A mini breakdown and some tears can be very theraputic....along with a bottle or two of wine :)
ok mom, as an old soldier I can tell you that your son is far less concerned than you are. For him it is just a job that he wants to be part of and for that I thank him.
As far as mom goes, I can only offer a hug and encouragement. I will be there to hold your hand untill he comes home to you.
I only survived 12 days of it and I was miserable. I suspect it would have become more normal had he remained over there but will never know.
Can't believe in only 12 days he was injured so much. Which is why I THANK GOD one of those injuries sent him home.
Hallie
I have no advice, but am looking for some as my son is supposed to deploy to Afghanistan later this year.
You'll have to let us know what helps you!
When I was in, I would have enjoyed a letter ever now and then. They rarely came.
With email, video and cameras, staying in touch is just a finger tip away. Keep them involved with the family and just wait out the time. Moms??!!??
carepackages :) and staying busy, set milestones or goals for each month.
can I come over with a pot of tea and big hug every so often?
oh God Bless you girl...that's just all I can say, God Bless you.
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