It may have been two years ago when I wrote this ... but I remember this day like it happened yesterday. I remember exactly how I felt when I woke up that morning. How my mind wandered as I made the drive to the airport. I even remember when I had to pull the car over because I couldn't drive through the tears that came as I pulled out of the departure area at LAX.
Today was no different. Same feelings. Same fears. Same tears as I pulled onto the freeway. Despite all the planning and the preparations for the past year, bidding adieu is never easy. In fact, having this lead time was probably WAY more difficult, with too much anticipation.
I'm just thankful that unlike Matt's last unaccompanied tour to Baghdad, this one to Afghanistan has me far more settled. I'm in my OWN house. My support system is moving into place. And our friends are already stepping in to ensure that the kids and I are well cared for. With an invitation for dinner tonight from one of my dearest. To the brave ones, who whisked the girls away for the next few days to an amusement park so they would keep their minds off of missing their daddy.
We needed these distractions. Just as we all needed to exhale and have this new chapter in our lives finally begin.
And as I waved to Matt tonight, while he slowly walked alone into the Dulles airport terminal, I didn't say, "good-bye." But rather through silent tears, I whispered the mantra those of us in the Foreign Service always recite ... "until we meet again."
13 comments:
You can do this! Strong mama's breed strong families!
I'm thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Take care,
Pam
This brought tears to my eyes. You are in my thoughts this week.
NKL
Huge hugs. Been there as a military wife. It still hurts remembering it and it still really tugs at the heart hearing another say that "see you soon" to their loved one. WIll keep you all in prayer as this next chapter is unfolding.
Oh Jill... This must be so hard. I'm just a short drive away! So I'll be in touch this week to see how I can be part of your support system.
I can only offer long distance support, but I've got a great ear and a strong shoulder whenever you need it.
xox
I don't even have words... Thank you for your sacrifice. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you and cheering you on.
My heart broke for you, all the way over here. You can do this again and one day? It will all stop and he will just be home with you guys for good. I love you girl. xoxo
Lots of hugs!!
Love and prayers for you and your family.
It's a total cliche, I know... but just take one day at a time.
{{hugs}}
We're contemplating an unaccompanied tour and reading this has me shaking my head no. Making a new routine and life while Dad/hubby is away must be terribly hard. Having some experience in this must help a bit (and that your littlest is not so little any more). I am imagining our good-byes and yuck! Hugs to you and your family.
My eyes got misty reading this and I suddenly remembered that feeling in the pit of my stomach at the airport drop off. I'm thinking of you all during this. You know you can do it; you know you'll get through it; you know some days will be better than others. But it doesn't make it any easier. Lots of hugs and good thoughts and support for you from way over here. XOXOXO
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