Today started rainy and blustery and ended up beautiful and warm. The kids ate dinner outside and played until the sun went down, which seemed to happen too soon.
I found my son and his friend discussing the changing leaves in our backyard. We all agreed this was our favorite.
As we discussed the changing leaves the year ahead played through my mind.
How many leaves will change?
How many missed birthdays?
How many missed “firsts”?
How many missed celebrations?
The sadness that made it hard to breathe on Wednesday has been replaced by a sadness of missed moments and memories.
I’m fighting to keep my sadness from knowing what is missed from overshadowing my joy in these moments.
We are blessed.
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.
Teresa Impson says
Ms. Toni, while an A/D Army wife, I endured 5 major deployments and countless TDYs. We have been retired for five years now, and nowadays I keep the home fires burning for my A/D Marine son, which is a lot harder! I, too, know the fears, the struggles with faith, etc., Hang in there, because one day too soon it will all be behind you and you will marvel at the strength and resolve that enabled you to not only endure and survive, but to live your life to the fullest. Yes, it does get easier….and it’s in the midst of the storm that we must look up to see who gives us the faith and the strength to live through that storm. Holding you in my thoughts and prayers that you move forward with that which God has placed within you!
Toni Anderson says
Thank you Teresa! I know we will survive and there will be blessings to come… Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Debbie says
Hi Toni! Another military family here. I will be praying for you. Please feel free to email if you ever need someone to chat with. My hubby is away right now, although only for 5 weeks this time. God bless you.
Toni Anderson says
Thank you Debbie- that is very kind of you! I think the short trips are just as hard. As soon as you get into a new routine they come back. 🙂
cynthia says
My brother has gone over there, too. It’s his 3rd time also. This time my oldest daughter is living with his wife & kids to help out. Prayers for you & your family. Your man is doing a good thing. Be proud of him! And, just so you know, it’s ok to be sad about this. Sometimes life is hard.