Monday, April 30, 2012

And He's Leaving. Again.

I knew it was probably bad news when Tom texted me asking if I was home because we needed to talk.

I immediately thought of a deployment. I even texted back and asked if he was deploying.

“We’ll talk soon,” is all he replied.

Crap.

Crappity, crappity, crappity, crap.

I knew he’d probably be deploying soon. After all, he was next on the list. I just hoped…well…I just hoped that maybe it would be awhile.

When Tom came home his face was grim.

“Where and when?” I sighed. A part of me was hoping a grin would suddenly form on his face and he’d shout, “Fooled ya!” (Had he done that he’d have gotten my a purse thrown at his head. And it would have hurt because I have all sorts of crap in there.)

But no. It was not a joke. He let me know where (I cannot specify due to OPSEC) and when.

Basically, all I can say is he’ll be gone most of May for training, then back for most of June and then he’s gone for six months.

It sucks.

It seems like he just got back from his year long stint in Korea. But no, really, he’s been back since August. It was only a matter of time before he had to go again. Such is the life in the military. There are people who have it worse…some are gone for a year and a half at a time. Every couple of months. But I do want to point out that even though my husband is Air Force, it doesn’t mean he has it easy. He’s not one of those people who sit behind a desk or get bronze stars for doing their job in finance. He’s a K9 handler so he’s out with his dog.

This means he won’t be here for any holidays. No Halloween. No Thanksgiving. No Christmas.

On the plus, my parents live only 7 hours away so if I need anything, they can be here.

I also have friends.

So we’ll be okay. We can do this.

If I can get through a year then surely I’ll be fine with six months.

46 comments:

  1. I remember life as an army wife. I still watch my closest friends go through the same feelings. I am so sorry he won't be home for the holidays, but like you said... you can do it. 6 months is a heck of a lot better then 12 or 15 months.

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  2. I'm so sorry, it's still hard even if it is only 6 months (only!).

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  3. oh man, I'm sorry chick. no matter how many deployments you do or even if you know that it's coming- it just never gets easier.

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  4. man that's gotta be hard. I always wonder how military wives/families do it. Hang in there, and tell your husband thank you for all that he does.

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  5. I know it's hard for you and the kids, but he is doing such important work. I wish I lived closer, so I could be your back-up buddy (my parents are deceased and I wouldn't trust my MIL with our pets). Let Tom know he is my hero. :-)

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  6. Well that just stinks. I had no idea he'd have to leave again so soon. I thought surely he'd be home for at least a year before another deployment. Thank God for Skype, right?

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  7. I don't know how you do it. My hubby wanted to go work off shore which is two weeks on, two weeks off and I said no becuase I couldn't do that.

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  8. I know that leaving was a possibility, but I'm sorry that he has to deploy again. At least it is six months as opposed to a year...

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  9. Hugs, April! As an Army wife, you know I know the drill too. My husband left today, but he'll be back in 10 days - no comparison!!

    But word has it, that Thomas will be leaving for 9 months next year. And even though he's deployed 6 times, this 7th one REALLY has me nervous.

    What can we do? We love military men!!! More hugs!

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  10. Oh wow! I thought he'd be home longer before deploying again. I mean he was just away for a year. I hope he is going somewhere safe. And since the year went by so fast, so will this time.

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  11. Oh, I'm sorry - that truly sucks. :(

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  12. I'm so sorry! I can't imagine.
    I sent my son to Iraq for a year and that was hard. I can't imagine being without my better half.

    I don't know if it helps, but I am so thankful for what your hubby does. He is my hero.

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  13. Came over via SITS, and I am so glad I did, if only so I can say that I am in awe of you. And that I will think twice before I complain the next time I want to about my hubby or something that he does that annoys me. I will instead choose to think of you and the great sacrifice that you and your hubby make for my family each and every day. Thank you.

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  14. So sorry to hear this. It does feel like he just got back, even though I'm just a reader :)

    I honestly don't know how you do it. I know it takes a lot of strength, especially with kids.

    Thinking of you.

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  15. i don't know how you do it, I commend you and other military families for having so much strong faith and strength

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  17. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I couldn't imagine doing what you do. You are a much stronger woman than I. :)

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  18. I'm sorry that sucks....I want to say it will be easier but I have no clue what it's like or the worry you have! Hang in there and I'm happy you are living closer to family and have local support!

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  19. I can't even begin to imagine! I have a hard enough time when my husband is late from work. I am so sorry - and I commend your strength!

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  20. it's hard whether it's 3 weeks or 22 monhts hun. You'll make it through with the help of friends, family, and plenty of chocolate!

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  21. Thats tough.... at least you have family close. And I dint know your man was a dog trainer. That is such a cool job!

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  22. Deployments suck balls. I know just how you feel. My husband did his one year in Korea, then had two deployments in ONE year. And thank you for the comment about the Air Force! Just because they're not Army doesn't mean they aren't in the same danger. You'll do just fine.

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  23. As an Army wife, I completely know how you feel. We just got done with a short deployment and we will have another before the year ends. Hang in there and enjoy what little time you have before the whirl wind of crazy starts. :)

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  24. Ugh! Ok, 6 months, you can do this. That's the same amount of time between dentist appointments and those always seem to come WAY TOO QUICKLY! (Ok, so I may have had my appointment this morning, I apologize for the comparison and completely realize it is in no way the same. Shall I shut up now? Excellent, wish I could.)

    And if I haven't said it before, thank you to your husband and all those that serve our country!

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  25. So sorry! :( I cannot imagine how hard that is. I definitely whine when my husband travels 3-4 weeks a year. Now I will stop doing that. My sis in law just started a blog (her husband is a green beret) about dealing with deployment stuff. It's here:
    http://www.andiamneveralone.com/

    I'll pass yours along to her!

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  26. Amber, you are such a funny writer that we sometimes forget the more serious side of the sacrifices you and Tom make on our behalf. Thank you for those, and good luck with the next deployment.

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  27. That must be really difficult for you. Will he be home for New Years?

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  28. Yes, thank you and your husband for all you do for us and our country! We will be here for you!

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  29. (((HUGS)))

    And know that his sacrifice and yours is so greatly appreciated.

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  30. Oh Amber! Sending you lots and lots of hugs.

    Tom, you and the kids are the real heroes for all your sacrifices. Thank you.

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  31. ONLY SIX MONTHS! Oh my honey. I feel so guilty for being bitter that my husband is leaving for 2 weeks on Tuesday and won't be here for Mother's Day. Keep up your positive attitude lady! You just made me feel better about my situation. (I'm so sorry yours SUCKS - it's okay to complain!)

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  32. Stupid deployments! We're waiting to hear on deployment orders for my hubby right now too so I feel your pain. Deployments are hard no matter how long they are, and you shouldn't ever feel the need to apologize for the length of his deployment just because others leave for longer periods of time. One thing that really irks me is that you had to justify that your husband would be working hard even though he's in the Air Force--mostly because I always feel the need to do the same. My hubby works 12 hour shifts, 6 days a week,inside planes that are over 150 degrees when he's deployed. No "chair-force" for him! Big hugs!

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  33. Sorry that SUCKS! People only ever seem to talk about how hard it is on the ones that get sent off into the field but they never seem to think about those left behind.

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  34. I am so sorry Tom has to leave for a while. I am glad that you have some support close by. All the best.

    I love your new design. Who did it?

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  35. I'm sorry :( That really sucks! I'm glad to hear you have so much amazing support near by though. You also have us :)

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  36. Sorry to hear this! Seems like he just got home from the last stint! Hope the time goes fast! You sure are a strong woman!

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  37. I'm so sorry he's leaving again. You are amazingly strong to deal with that. Also know that we appreciate yours and his sacrifice for our safety. Knowing such great people are in the military makes me so proud of our country! :)

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  38. I'm sorry. I don't know how you do it. I freak out when my hubs is gone for a week. The stress, the kids, the non-sleeping, the stress, the missing him. And he's not in the military, so he's just traveling.

    Definitely keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  39. Amber your family is amazing. I love how you share your complete honest feelings about him deploying. I'm listening to collin Raye- One boy, one girl in the background and it made this post much more emotional for me!
    I am so thankful for families like yours who sacrifice so much so that my family can be safe and live our free life.
    My thoughts are with you guys as you get ready for another deployment!
    <3

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  40. Ugh- that sucks!

    But yes, you can do this. xo

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  41. Girl, I can NOT imagine how you manage. At all. I am not a singleton... You amaze me.

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  42. I will never understand how much of a sacrifice military families give. Thank you!

    Hang in there, Mama! You can do it!

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  43. Oh man... I'm really sorry Amber. I think you should have a half holiday celebration before he goes. Have a Thanksgiving dinner, maybe wrap some presents in Christmas paper, take family "holiday" photo... I don't know - be silly. I bet the kids would love it. Thankfully Skype or FaceTime at least helps you see his face while you talk...

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