It was the month of August, 2000. One year as a Military family. We had been married a little over a year, with a 19 month old daughter and a 2 week old newborn son. I had a C-section and knew I needed help with our children. So we decided the best thing to do was move back home during the deployment, so I would be around family.
We settled in pretty quickly, and I was very busy with our children. However, nights were hard on me. As I laid down each night, I was left alone with my thoughts. I missed my husband terribly and looked forward to every email and phone call.
I sent updates and photos via email every chance I got. Even though I was exhausted with a newborn and toddler. I didn't want my husband to miss out on the milestones even if he was away. He looked forward to every photo and updates on the kids and I. I made sure to show the kids photos of their daddy, so they would recognize him when he returned. More so for our toddler. She always smiled and said "Daddy" when she seen his photo.
The days seemed to go by so slow and back then deployments were only 6 months. I kept busy with family and friends and tried to make the most of it.
The time had finally come where my husband was due home. We drove to San Diego and watched his ship pull in for Homecoming! It was so exciting and nerve racking at the same time. However, when he walked of the ship it were as he had never been away. Its amazing how that happens.
Our toddler was so excited to see her daddy, but our 6 month old seen him as a stranger. He even cried the whole time my husband held him. It was heartbreaking.
I learned a lot during those 6 months! I learned to appreciate my husband more and not take the little things for granted. I grew as a mother and wife, and became more independent. I learned how to love and cherish my husband from a distance. I appreciated the support from my family and friends.
Even though it was one of the hardest things I had ever done, I manage to get through it, and it has made me who I am today!
As of now my family and I have endured 8 deployments. Although it doesn't get any easier, you somewhat know what to expect!
Long distance like that is never easy, but it definitely makes you cherish and appreciate your relationship. A great insight into what it's like being a Military Wife! Keep up the great posts :)
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