Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Like The Mice

“If you get lonely in Korea, and I’m lonely over here at the same time, we should totally sing Somewhere Out There! Like those mice in An American Tail,” I said the night before Tom left.

Tom gave me a Look. “Um. No. I’m not singing.”

“Oh come on, it’ll be fun.”

“No.” Tom looked at his suitcase that was filled with a bunch of his clothes and uniform items. It was hard to watch him pack. And is it sad that he can fold better than I can? I guess it’s that military training. In basic training they had to fold neatly and if not, well, all hell broke loose. I guess if I had some guy screaming in my ear I’d learn to fold real quick. (Now I’m picturing a guy in a uniform screaming at me to fold dammit, fold, and I’m shouting back with tears running down my cheeks, “I’m trying, scary old man, I’m TRYING!”)

The drive to the airport was a little hard. I kept thinking, “Wow, this is it.” And then I’d think, “Man, I hope I don’t cry too much. I don’t want Tom’s last memory of me to be with a blotchy face and snot bubbling from my nose.”

Because I am not a pretty crier. I seem to have liquids coming out all over my face whenever I burst into tears. I look like a fountain gone wrong.

Tom flew out of our tiny local airport. Normally when we fly we have to drive to Denver but the military paid to have Tom fly out there. It was so small that they didn’t even open security until right before the flight left. This gave us time to talk.

Oh, and take pictures.



Natalie didn’t fully understand what was going on. She got that her Daddy was leaving—but she kept saying, “See you tomorrow!” This means it’s going to be a long year for me.



In this photo Natalie was singing, “Daddy, my Daddy!” (It’s going to be a LONG LONG YEAR!)



“I yuv my daddy!”

To Tommy, Tom went, “You’re the man of the house now. Don’t be messy,” and I went, “Mrs. Doubtfire!” and he went, “What?” and I explained, “That’s the line that Robin Williams tells his son before he left.” Tom just blinked at me. He is so going to miss my random statements.



And anyway, I hope Tommy knows that being the man of the house doesn’t mean much in this household. The women usually take charge and the men sort of just go along for the ride. Sorry kid.



Then we got a family photo and I started to tear up so I look constipated here because I kept thinking, “Holy crap, in a few minutes Tom will be gone,” and weirdly enough, the theme song to Growing Pains popped into my head.



Before Tom left, Natalie wanted one last hug (long year), and Tom was reminding her to be a good girl and to not be mean to Mommy (which she totally was like five minutes later.)

And then Tom gathered his things and went through security.



This was the last photo I took of him before he walked off towards his plane.

This good news is he made it to Korea safely.

The bad news is, well, he’s not here with us.

49 comments:

  1. You have grown in to such a beautiful Mother and woman :) I know this deployment is longer than the previous ones, but you will handle it well ad with grace, the way you always do. I know you already miss him teribly ((HUGS))

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  2. Having been the person that has left my family several times to go to different countries for extended periods of time, I know it's often harder to be the person left behind.

    And I think the theme to Growing Pains was probably rather appropriate.

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  3. "Somewhere Out There" is heartwrenching if you actually are away from the person you're missing. I wouldn't recommend it.

    Your family is beautiful!

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  4. Oh Amber. My chest is literally aching right now because I can just imagine how you must be feeling. I know this is going to be so so hard ... but what can you do, right? Just keep on keepin' on, I guess.

    Can Tom read your blog from Korea?

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  5. You're killing me with that last photo. Glad he arrived safely. One a positive note? Natalie's wearing what is possibly the cutest skirt ever.

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  6. You should e-mail him the lyrics to the American Tail song just in case he changes his mind.

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  7. still sad. natalie's outfit is the cutest ever.

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  8. Another good news? You got your Christmas Family Picture right there. I know theres no christmasy clothes, but it's a really good family picture just the same!

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  9. I'm glad Tom has a safe flight. Hang in there kid.

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  10. My heart goes out to you! I'm a former Navy wife myself.

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  11. Its heart breaking to see Natalie saying goodbye, I think of what it would be like if my girls had to say goodbye to their daddy. Sooooo sad...

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  12. Will you guys be able to Skype or video chat some how?

    This has got to be so confusing for the kids especially Natalie.

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  13. I love that even in this difficult time, you are still full of random and hillarious commentary!

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  14. Look how beautiful your family looks (even with you and your constipation). Hope this year goes by quickly for you.

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  15. So glad he got there safely. Day one DONE! You have a beautiful family and you guys will be back together soon! This year will fly by for you.

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  16. Amber,

    I know it will be one long year for you to be a single parent but I know you can do it. I love your blog and how you use humor in your daily life. Sometimes it is easier to laugh than cry.

    I also wanted to thank you for being a military wife and the sacrifices that your family makes for our country. I am hearing "My Country tis of Thee" in my head as I type this.

    Please take care of yourself. You can do it!!

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  17. I started tearing up as soon as you mentioned Somewhere Out There. And then I pictured you and Tom doing the duet while gazing at the moon and I couldn't stop laughing. Here's hoping the year goes by quickly and the kids (and you) adjust well (but not too well).

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  18. Yes, its going to be a long year. Are you guys going to get to go over there and visit him at all?

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  19. If that's you looking constipated, you really have a kind colon. You also have the cutest family. Sorry to discuss them in proximity to poop talk, but, well, you started. Notice I'm talking about nonsense instead of that sad, sweet goodbye? Yup, trying not to cry again. Love to you all; Kirk Cameron is not as cute as Tommy, btw.

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  20. Awww... she's gonna miss her daddy. Don't forget there will be pros of him being gone. ;) Hope you are all doing well and trying to enjoy the rest of the summer.

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  21. I honestly don't know how you do it.

    I grew up with a military Dad and I SWORE I'd never, ever, EVER be a military wife - which, thank God I'm not - because I? Would be shipped off to the funny farm.

    Also, I may have felt feelings while reading this post. Maybe.

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  22. you do NOT look constipated.. you look lovely.. lol

    still thinking of ya..

    oh yea.. pretty top you were wearing too!

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  23. The pictures of Natalie holding onto her daddy about broke my heart. And, it's been said already, but you do NOT look constipated. I'm still surprised you weren't a blubbering mess.

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  24. glad he made it safe & sound. Tell tell him to hurry up and get his butt back to the states!

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  25. This is at once very touching and quite funny. Your humor will be a great support to you in the months ahead!

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  26. My heart hurts for you, I can't imagine being away from Micah for a whole year. Although not having to pick his underwear up off of the floor would be a great perk!

    When I cry my whole face leaks, too. Which is why I try to never cry in public.

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  27. 1 day down... At least he can read your blog for the real deal while he's gone instead of the sweet stuff I'm sure you're going to be feeding him to make him happy. ;)

    Glad you held it together at the airport. You ARE a big brave girl and you CAN do this. Hang in there.

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  28. Well, as I type, I'm seeing double because of the tears threatening to pour down my face. Such a sweet, sad post. You and your family are lovely--you all will be fine, I know it. Bless you all.

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  29. Even in the midst of being sad you are still the funniest blogger I know! Your random comments had me chuckling in between tears!

    :) Thank God for skype right?

    Hope you and the kids are hanging in there!

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  30. I hope this year goes by quickly for you!

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  31. One down, 354 to go (unless its a leap year...)

    I feel badly for all of you -

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  32. Glad he made it safely there. I am sorry you have to be seperated for a year. I hope there are other women around you who are in the same situation. All the best. Hugs to you and your kids.

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  33. Oh now see, you gone and made my eyes leak. And I don't do pretty crying, either.
    You have a beautiful family, I hope this year passes quickly.

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  34. Those are great pictures! Glad he made it there safely and I hope the kids (and you and Tom!) can adjust to the changes as easily as possible.

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  35. And we're all here hangin' in with ya... Sorry I'm not close enough to come give you a day out and play pseudo-grandma with your kids! But we can provide moral support, so lean on us, woman! You're clearly very strong, and we all know you'll be fine!

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  36. Somewhere out there? I sang that at a wedding once.
    Anyway,...be at peace . Wishing you God's comfort.

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  37. Great looking family.

    I'am sure that Natalie's goodbye broke his heart.

    I know I would have more trouble with my baby girl's goodbye than anyone else.

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  38. Made me tear up just reading it. Suddenly having my hubs working out of state but at least seeing him a couple times a month doesnt seem so bad.

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  39. If you are going to make me cry every morning could you at least warn me so I can have some tissues on hand?

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  40. You have the most beautiful family Amber. It's going to be rough sometimes, but you'll all make it just fine. Bless your heart! I'll watch the kids if you want to meet him in Hawaii for the weekend!

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  41. You have a beautiful family. Hoping the coming year passes quickly, so Tom can come home to you all.

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  42. I'm all sad faced at this one. But on the bright side, the pictures are good.

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  43. It is going to be a long year...but I know you can make it through!

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  44. GREAT BIG HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!

    You're all going to be ok, honest. Even when things suck. Hopefully the aliens will leave you alone for a year!! :D

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  45. That family photo is great! You look absolutely gorgeous and it's nice he'll have that picture of you looking pretty in his head. I am a terrifically ugly crier, blotchy, red and hitching sobs like I need oxygen. And I adore the singing scene in American Tail! Hope the year flies by for you!!!

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  46. You should blow that family picture up and hang it in your house.. it's a really great picture! You look gorgeous! My husband leaves for work each day and I tear up every time (he is a cop though and works in a bad part of the city). I would have been a complete wreck if I were in your shoes. You are SO strong! Hope the year speeds by so that Tom can be back with his beautiful wife and kids :)

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  47. I can see that Natalie is totally a Daddy's girl!

    This was a sweet AND sad post. I know Tom's got to act all manly and such, but you know his heart was breaking, too, to leave you guys behind.

    Hang in there, kiddo, we're all behind you on this and will be with you through this next you.

    Glad Tom is safe.

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  48. You have a beautiful family and such a sweet spirit. I can't even begin to imagine the emotions tearing through your body. In just a few posts, I see your strength, honestly, humor and unbelievable love for your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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