Having Aaron home this past year has been amazing. We fell right back into our life together. It was hard not to want to hold onto him 24 hours a day. It was hard to give him his space at first. I am sure there were days he felt I was suffocating him. But I just couldn't help it. And those of you who have experienced a deployment (or had someone in your life gone for awhile) know what I am talking about.
The year since his return has been a little nuts to say the least. I don't know where the last year has gone. I really don't! We left Drum in August, lived at Knox for 7 months and now we are here in Maine. The funny thing about the madness is that I have loved every minute of it! No matter what happens we are together. It sure beats 16 months of worrying about Aaron, wondering when he will get to call me and hoping/praying that the car door you heard shut outside at 11:00 pm doesn't bring with it men in Class A uniforms.
The year he was gone I relied heavily on women I had only known a short time. Because of this deployment these women have become life-long friends and my family. Frannie, Karen, Erin and Briana are a remarkable set of ladies. I was lucky to find such outstanding, strong, loyal, courageous women to help me through. They all have since moved on from Fort Drum too. Frannie and Matt recently bought their first home (Yeah!) and are living in OH. Karen and Clay recently moved to NC, where they bought their first home (Yeah!) as well. Erin and John are still in the Army, living in AL with their two beautiful girls. Briana and Ryan were the first to leave the Army for OH. They too have bought their first home (Yeah!) and have added little Delaney to our family (double Yeah!).
Recently, 'Welcome Home' signs have been popping up all over the neighborhood. Living in Navy housing I would expect it. But I didn't realize how much it would affect me. I am a little embarrassed to say that I always tear up seeing them. Every time! I guess it is because I know the feeling. I know the feeling of counting down the days/hours/ minutes until you can see the one you love. It also makes me feel a little sick knowing that our time for deployment will come again and Aaron will be off to a far away place. I am not looking forward to it.
People always say 'I don't know how you did it'. And sometimes I wonder too. But I don't know how to explain it. I just did it. I did it because I love Aaron. I would rather spend a year without him then not be married to him at all. I chose to love him for the rest of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way, madness and all!
I can't wait to see what the next year together will bring.
Welcome Home Ceremony June 2007(John, Erin, Karen, Clay, Aaron, Me, Matt & Frannie)
8 comments:
Hey! No, I don't mind if you link.
I'm trying to find a job, but it's proving difficult. The jobs here don't pay much more than the mainland but things are A LOT more expensive here, so I'm being selective (basically, I don't want to work for peanuts).
How are you liking your job?
Would you believe that Clay and I totally forgot about the 1 year anniversary of homecoming? Funny how life gets in the way. I am glad God has blessed me by having you stumble into my life. You're the best!
Good grief woman, are you on a mission to make me sob?! You are fantabulous!
Hey so funny story, I changed something on my blog and now instead of my name, you see "the family". So not the mob!
Wow, a year already - time flies! I'm so happy that you guys found each other and get to spend the rest of your lives together! :)
You guys are amazing. Amazing people, and an even more amazing couple! Through thick and thin, I know you'll make it. I pray you don't have another year like 2006, but if so - It warms my heart to know you've got such loving support!
Cheers to this next year being as great as the last! :)
I can't believe its been a year either. You are ALL amazing people for doing what you do. Everytime I light my candle, I think of them. We love you!!!
Please pass the tissues. :) I was thinking of the one year mark as well. I was in the store and a song about a soldier came on. Needless to say, I came a tiny bit unglued. Can't express enough my gratitude to Aaron for what he does, and for you being a supportive wife. Love you both beyond words.
Post a Comment