As we drove around town tonight and I couldn’t help but notice all the lights and Christmas decorations. They are in stores, along the streets, and Christmas music is playing everywhere.
I don’t mind the Christmas music, my daughter has been playing it since Halloween. This is my favorite time of year. The only time when I am able to tolerate winter. For some reason, being cold in December makes sense. Being cold in March doesn’t!
With all the lights, decorations, and music I couldn’t help but think about how much I miss our whole family being together this month. We were apart last year until the day before Christmas, and we were apart two years before that.
Decorating the tree, making cookies, and trying to eat all the leftovers without dad is sad. Although, I know for him there will be no tree, no decorations, and no leftovers.
Christmas just isn’t the same without our family together. My older kids are getting old. I’m realizing that we might not have many more Christmases together with just our a family. I realize there is nothing I can do about this Christmas, but I want this one to be our last as a family apart.
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.
Jennifer says
I’ve read your blog before, but I never realized your hubby was deployed. I just made it through all your days thus far of his deployment…when I read the post about your eleven year old son sobbing at the end of his postcard, tears came to my eyes and I prayed for y’all right then. I don’t know how you do it~I honestly cannot imagine being a single parent for so long. I realize now there are privileges that I have, that I take for granted.
Thank you for sharing your life with us…with me. Thank you for posting eye-opening stuff that makes me realize I should not take certain things for granted. Please know that we are so thankful for your husband’s brave service to our country. I know that those words don’t make it easier for you, but know that we love and so respect the both of you. God bless you and your beautiful family and Merry Christmas. We’ll be praying for y’all and for the safe return of your hero.
Jennifer G
all4boys.blogspot.com