And it begins!

There is a lot I can write about my experiences while my husband was gone for boot camp. It’s funny, but the things I thought I would miss I didn't seem to notice. It is the things that aggravated me about my husband that I truly did miss.

     I remember been completely stressed the week before he left.  I had to make sure that everything taken care of. This included being able to access bills to making sure he had everything he needed for the duration; to making memories with him and the kids, to help the kids through the separation. To top it all off, I was planning my boys birthday party, and a surprise party for my dh. I had to send him off in style.

    If you are considering having a surprise going away party… don't do it! Looking back, I was so stressed that I missed out on spending precious time with my husband so others who would not make an effort, could tell him "Goodbye".

   My husband’s ‘departure date was moved forward two days. I had to share my time with extended family. I know I sound selfish, but if you fast forward to where we are now, you would understand. An angel must have whispering in my ear.
    I remember my mother in law drove us to MEPS, so he could do his finally paperwork. After MEPS, we drove to the airport to say goodbye.

    Out of all the goodbyes we had to say that was defiantly one of the hardest. I think it was because it was sooner than I expected. Or maybe it was because this was the first time I had to say goodbye for any period of time. Though I think what a big part of it was, I knew right at that moment our lives would be changed forever!

  I remember crying so hard I caught the attention of those around me. I really did not intend to be that emotional, but I honestly couldn't help it, the tears kept flowing. One woman came up to me and told me that she was grateful for our sacrifice, and that she would be praying for us. That was hard to hear, I didn't consider what we were doing a sacrifice. My dh was going to Fort Sill for boot camp, not getting deployed.  I thanked her anyway, and told her I appreciated it. I did that for all the women and men, who are experiencing a deployment. I knew one day I would too.

     I thought I would be able to talk about more than the week he left.  I feel the need to share about the emotions, I experienced. I will write more about our journey, for now I leave you with this. Pray for those who are gone, pray for those who will never return, and pray for those families who stand behind our military!
                                            Rachel

Becoming an Army Family!

     My last post was about how my dh and I met. I am going to tell to explain how our family became an Army family.  After my second son was born, my husband thought it would be important to get a college degree. I was in the process of getting mine, and I agreed that it would.

                  When he completed his bachelor’s degree in IT, and the job market being as it was. He started to consider the option of joining the military. This was not the first time David had considered the military. He thought about joining the Navy, like his Dad once when he was younger. Though at the time his dad thought college was more important and pushed my dh into the direction.

                  Here he found himself, at the same decision once again. This time he was considering the Army. We discussed this option, for over a month. This was not an easy decision for my husband.    The perks of joining the Army for us were defiantly worth considering. If he joined he would be making more money. He would be getting paid on time and the right amount. This believe it or not, was a major problem at the last place he worked. Then our family would have medical insurance, dental and eye insurance.

     My dh also would qualify for Loan repayments. All those were major improvements over what we had. Though of all the good, we had to consider the bad.  What kind of danger would he be in? How much of the children’s lives would he miss? Could our marriage survive the long absence away from each other?

    After a lot of prayer and careful consideration, we decided that it would be our best option for our family. So my husband started the paperwork. He signed his papers in June 2010 and he left for basic training October 2010.

     I hope you are enjoying reading our story. There is still much to come before we even make it to where we are now. If you are or have been in this same place then you know what a hard but rewarding road our soldiers take. Please feel free to comment or share your story!

This Picture was taken the night before he left for Basic.

Rachel