Today was full of distractions. School work, groceries, costumes, candy, and friends.
The kids were happy.
He sent flowers.
I went shopping and thought about getting back into a routine. I ‘m not ready. I filled the cart with frozen meals and giant boxes of cereal.
I felt guilty so I added a five pound bag of organic carrots. I’ll have the kids eat one with their bowl of Capt’n Crunch.
We need a new normal, but not today.
My husband has been deployed to the Middle East for 274 days. These are my real thoughts expressing my heart during his absence. I appreciate your prayers and kind words as we cope, adapt, and carry on without him until August 2014. To read from the beginning, click here.
Patti S says
My son-in-law will be leaving next June for Kuwait……if I let myself think too long, I feel awful for my daughter….they were married last March in Italy and wanted to start a family….now they have to postpone it….just sick for her. Will pray for your family and the safety of your husband and for strength for you. You have a lovely family and I am very thankful for your husband’s service. As a veteran, I know what it means to take the oath and we owe these men and women every moment of our freedom.
Toni Anderson says
Thank you! And I’ll be praying for your daughter and her husband.
Jess says
Just found your blog. My husband has been gone since July. I’m still eating cereal… he’s still sending flowers. Hang in there.
Toni Anderson says
(((hugs)))
Stina says
Oh, I’m sorry. Deployments are so hard. That first month and last month were the worst for us. My hubs was gone for 17months a few years back. I was doing the same as you with the frozen foods and cereals in the beginning. Don’t feel like everything needs to bounce back to “normal” right away. I definitely agree with Sandra. Having those little things to look forward to helped a ton. We put pictures of Daddy up all over the house and I even made my two young girls “Daddy Dolls” to snuggle with at night-time (our youngest was also not quite a year-old and it was to help her know who this “Daddy” guy was…;) ). Care packages were fun to assemble together, too. **hugs**
Sandra says
My husband just returned in May after being deployed for a year. It was hard for all of us (I have 4 kids ages 5-9). Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t feel like cooking or keeping the house spic and span. Give yourself some time to “grieve.” You’ll bounce back soon enough. Keep yourselves busy. Go to the movies, visit family, plan small vacations, roast marshmallows. It will get better and time will keep passing. Hang in there!