My husband's deployment has been one of the toughest things I have had to deal with in our married lives. I knew it would be difficult going into this. However one thing I didn't anticipate was the ways in which we would grow. Another military wife put it to me this way. She said there were things that they learned from her husband's time in Iraq that they couldn't have learned any other way. When she said this to me my thoughts were something along the lines of "Wow! She is amazing... I could never do that and be so positive still" Her husband was over there during a time of much more violence. Her faith that he would be protected was simply inspiring. I felt ashamed that when I looked deep inside myself I couldn't honestly say that I would be able to measure up in the same way, and it scared me.
T will be home the first week in April (we think- with the Army, you never really know until you see the whites of his eyes). As I look back on the experiences and see what trials we have overcome I am amazed! This really has been eye opening. I am finding it hard to really put down into words here. I wouldn't wish deployment on any family. It sucks. But if you want to look at the glass as half full (and I DO!) then here are some of the ways I am listing tonight where we have improved for which I am so grateful.
1-We are closer as a family
2-We really appreciate each other more
3-We are more independent
4-We are more dependent on one another
5-The children help me more
6-The boys are all expert diaper changers
7-Big Boy gets himself up in the morning (huge!)
8-Things matter less to me
9-People matter more
10-We have learned to accept extra help from the outside
11-We are more humble
12-We read the scriptures more
13-Our prayers are more meaningful
14-We get along in church better
15-We have felt protected (We only got sick once!)
16-I can make a pinewood derby car
17-The kids cherish time alone with Mom
18-The kids do homework independently
19-There is love at home (except when there isn't)
20-I can make dinner without T at home to hold the baby for me
21-Everyone helps me cook in the kitchen
22-Kids thank Mom for making dinner (every time)
23-We've learned we can be happy even when life gets hard
5 comments:
Well done!
That's so soon! And exciting!
Great post.
I love this entry. Thanks again for letting me crash at your house with the Purdys this weekend. I'm so glad I got to meet you. I wish we'd been in Iowa City at the same time. You're such a great person! (And you're not a beast.)
Thanks literaqueen! It was my pleasure to meet and host you this weekend. Think I should put a vote up on my blog for people to decide on my beastiness?
Nope-- keep your beastiness pride under wraps.
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