2.23.2011

The Long Road

The forty-five mile drive to the airport is probably the longest hour of our lives. What more can you possibly say to each other that hasn't been said in the past three weeks ... or even since you went to bed just five hours ago?

We drive along. Making small talk. Gibbering away at the menusha, that frankly, I know I won't even remember once I kiss him good-bye at the curb.

The tears didn't come until he took his bag out of the trunk of my car. Until he whispered in my ear about how much he hates leaving. Me too. Meeee toooooo. I'm usually fine with our decision until he leaves and I have the reminders of what-just-was ... and what-won't-be for another few months again. Amazing how quickly the loneliness jumps out and bites you in the tush.

But I quickly dry my eyes because I need to drive home. To get home. By way of Starbucks of course. To pick up my infamous triple grande caramel macchiatto ... and two chocolate croissants. For the girls...

Back to the grind we were forced to go. Which would have been just fine had I not received a phone call from Matt once he arrived in DC with the craziest of news. Apparently, the unrest in the Middle East, that has affected so many of our friends, has finally begun to affect Iraq. And while that wouldn't be a problem once he GOT there, it IS a problem when you're stranded and you can't get IN there. All Military Air flights have been canceled for the next several days.

Had they sent the email just a few hours prior, Matt could have been stranded here. Instead, he was heading into an unknown situation. Would he be able to sneak on a flight back to Baghdad? Would he have to stay in Kuwait? It was 1 am in Jordan by the time we heard any of this, and thus couldn't reach anyone via the emergency travel number to discuss changing his flights. And not knowing what the situation might really be once he arrived in Kuwait, was forced to take his chances and fly out.

Now we wait. As I'm well trained to do. Though I'll admit, sometimes aspects of this lifestyle just aren't easy ... and this long road feels today, like it has no exits ...

21 comments:

Mom24 said...

I'm sure lately more often that not it's just not easy. So sorry. Hope he gets back quickly, safely, and soundly. Hang in there.

Robin said...

That really blows.

I'm sure he's got plenty of better options but if he finds himself near me and needs anything at all send him my way, we're just a few minutes from the airport...

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Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Oh dear. Hugs to you.

xo

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Oh dear. Hugs to you.

xo

OHmommy said...

Oh gosh. That totally sucks. Sending hugs.

Christy said...

Oh my god Jill - this is just awful. UGH. I'm sure you have plenty, but please consider my shoulder one to cry on if you need it. Seriously. You totally deserve ANOTHER sad day. Boo hiss. :(

Becky said...

That just stinks. If he had to get stuck, at least he could have been stuck WITH you. I am so sorry.

Issa said...

Huge hugs to you friend. I'm here if you need to talk.

Scary Mommy said...

I don't know how you do it. XOXOXO

Shannon said...

Oh JIll, I'm so sorry. That just stinks.

Michelle said...

Sending you good thoughts!

Noble Glomads said...

I hear ya sister. The waiting SUCKS big time. Fingers crossed that you get info soon. You are strong and when the system works, it works very well as I witnessed this week. My thoughts are with you so please send an update soon.

Nomads By Nature said...

Hoping for a safe and smooth arrival for M. Saying good-bye (again) always sucks, but having a possibly avoided stranding issue makes it hurt even more. My thoughts are with your family. At least you are getting closer to the end.

Sara said...

Oh wow. I hope he's doing well. I hope you're doing well.

Melissa Angert {All Things Chic} said...

praying - will add your family to the list of friends we're thinking of over there! xo

mosey (kim) said...

sigh...
hugs to you, my friend!
x

LuWho4u said...

Hoping for the best situation to come through quickly. Military wives amaze me. Thank you and huge hugs to you mama.

Connie said...

Saying goodbye sucks :( Glad to read Matt made it in, but am hoping the countdown to his return goes by fast!

Ms. Sarah said...

Sending Hugs and Prayers. Hope his return time goes by quickly

Lisa said...

Oh Jill....that just broke my heart reading that. You are one of the strongest women. So glad I read first that he ended up back safely. You are getting closer and closer to the finish line!!!

Unknown said...

Jill, you wrote this beautifully! We are thinking about you all and keeping our fingers crossed! Big hugs!

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