Friday, January 16, 2015

Another Tear, Another Goodbye

"Why does my Daddy always have to go away?"


"He has to go help keep us all safe. When he goes, he lets other daddies stay with their children."



"But why do my friends always get to have their daddy home?"


"They have different jobs. Their job is to keep us safe here. Everyone plays their part. It's just how it works."



"I wish he were with us all the time."


"Me too."


It's never easy to say goodbye, no matter how often you've done it.



Your heart still squeezes. Tears still prickle your eyes.


You try to stay brave. You don't want his last moments with you to be sad ones.



You reassure him that you'll be fine. Really.


You hug him and breathe in his scent. Old Spice mixed with a kind of woodsy smell. You tell him to stay safe. Don't be the hero. There are kids at home who need him. He agrees, but you both know if it came down to it, he'd be the hero. It's how he was trained.


You say one last I love you. You watch him walk away. He always does one final wave before he goes.


Then you're left with the kids. You squeeze their hands and say it'll be okay.


And then you start counting down the days until your family is complete again.

23 comments:

  1. That shirt is too cute. I hate he has to go away, but I am so thankful he does.

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  2. so sorry he has to go away again. But You'll be strong and he'll be back before you know it. HUGS

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  3. From someone who hasn't yet experienced a deployment but will in the future: thank you to your family for being so brave and courageous. I know a lot of people take time with their families for granted, but just know a lot of people appreciate what your family is enduring right now!

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  4. You are so amazing and strong! I hope that this is a short deployment for Tom and that your family will be complete once again very soon!

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  5. Her shirt is too sweet. I won't even pretend to understand what you go through but you and your kids are so strong. You're amazing.

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  6. :( my heart hurts for you all. Hopefully he returns soon... sending tons of strong thoughts!

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  7. I can only imagine how it feels to send him off!

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  8. I can't imagine it ever gets easier. Big hugs to you guys. Wishing Tom safety.

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  9. That shirt is adorable.
    I am sorry that he has to go, but I am so incredibly thankful to him and to your family for him!

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  10. So sorry Amber. I'm very thankful for the sacrifice your whole family is making for our country. My son-in-law is Army and he's deployed 4 times. All 9-13mth deployments. I had to stand in for 2 of his kids' births. It takes a strong woman to be an Army wife and mother and I believe you are one of the great ones. Praying for your family during this absence.

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  11. Stay strong, Amber - I know it is hard and sucks. I hope that nothing breaks, no one gets sick (or lice!!!) and that the time passes quickly for all of y'all!!

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  12. I know the feeling all too well. Thankfully Adam hasn't deployed since Braden was 3. But he will at the next command. There's nothing I can say to make it better, that I know. But, stay busy and time will fly!! Hugs, friend!!

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  13. You guys are in my prayers. Hopefully this deployment is over in the blink of an eye! Thank you for the sacrifices that your family makes for mine!

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  14. Amber, you've gone and given me tears!
    I pray for his safety and all of yours too. And for him to come back soon. I want that giant trunk to show up in your house, and then you'll know - it means homeward bound.

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  15. Lots of love, positive thoughts, and internet hugs!

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  16. Your whole family is strong and amazing. Thank you so much for the sacrifices you all make to keep us safe. Sending good thoughts and hopes that the time flies by!

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  17. UGH I have been waiting to read this because I knew I'd cry. I love her shirt. Once again, I thank you all for your service.

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  18. Many thanks to the 4 of you for your sacrifices. The shirt is super cute and she wears it well.

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  19. Tears. We haven't had to say goodbye since we started our family, and I have no doubt it'll be crushing when we do have to have our "Daddy is away" time. Thinking of you.

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  20. Ahh stay strong girl that must be tough!

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  21. and we'll be here counting down the days with you :)

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  22. This made me cry. So beautifully written, thank you for all that you and he puts on the line for my family. For all of us. Natalie's t-shirt is the best. <3

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  23. I finally got to this post. Deployments are a B :(

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