Voices From The Front

Today's Quote:

"Neither fire nor wind,

birth nor death can erase

our good deeds.

- Buddha

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Lesson Learned: Be Thankful.

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I have been feeling sorry for myself, lately. I am stuck doing all the paperwork and tracking people down for my husband, and he keeps talking about how he's volunteering to deploy - and how he's looking forward to it, if they'll take him. And I keep thinking, "Poor me, you're going to leave me here in Hometown, USA to take care of everything - all by myself." Well, after reading Frank Schaeffer's book, Voices from the Front: Letters home from America's military family, I am no longer feeling sorry for myself, or alone. I am feeling Thankful and Blessed, and hope to make those who have sacrificed so much more, proud. And I will reach out to my new Army National Guard Family, no matter how neurotic they sometimes appear (and sometimes are!).

Chapter 14 of the book begins with,

I have three sons who are presently serving in the armed forces... plus my husband...... This is [the] 2nd deployment to Afghanistan for my son...

All in all, in 2004 or so, this tough and loving woman has, at many times, all of her sons and her husband deployed, at the same time,to the Middle East. Ok, so I'm just letting the Army borrow my husband for a while. At least I don't have my babies joining him (although some would like to, if they could, and I'd be proud). From the purely "Mommy" perspective, however, I want them to all just stay in the good ol' USA and give us grandchildren. Totally selfish, I know. But I am thankful that at least I'm only giving up my husband for a while, and not my kids, too.

Another thing to be thankful for is that we have had over 20 years together. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be doing this as a newlywed. We are settled. We know and trust each other. We have already discovered our human follies and have either learned to accept them or ignore them. Our children are grown and they can understand and be proud of "why Daddy isn't home." When there were diapers and 2 a.m. feedings and sick babies spitting up, he was there. When they took their first steps, he was there. When there were soccer games and marching bands and graduations to attend, he was there (well, he may miss our youngest one's graduation.) We have been incredibly blessed. It's time for a little pay back. A little sacrifice. I do believe in "The Mission," but sometimes I just want to be a little selfish.

Bless our soldiers, and bless their families, too, for they also serve.