Well, here we are! One week into Army life. Of course, I’m not the one living the Army way yet. So far it just feels like he’s on a business trip or something. On the day Hubby left, 3 family members called, emailed or sent a text message within 3 hours of him leaving asking if I was ok. He normally wouldn’t have even been home from work yet. It was cute, and appreciated even if a little premature.
I’ve been so blessed to talk to him every day this week! I know it won’t always be like that, so I’m really enjoying it while I can. We are fortunate to live in a high-tech time. I’ve been able to text with him, talk to him when he has 5 minutes to call while waiting on laundry, and even video chat with him on our cell phones!! With the exception of bedtime, it hasn’t been too bad yet. Don’t get me wrong, I’d much rather have him here, but I’ve been so busy with doctor appointments, chores, children’s choir, and preparing to start teaching Emily’s Kindergarten that I haven’t had time to dwell on it. I got behind on laundry right before he left, and I’m just now putting away the last of his clean clothes, so it’s sorta like he’s still here. Ok, maybe not really.
I’m also enjoying the peace and quiet. I love people, but I also love spending time alone. It’s how I recharge. So, having the evenings to just do chores quietly, or read a book, or have time with my thoughts…has been nice.
Bedtime is different though. I notice the sounds more. I feel so safe with him next to me, that I realize how vulnerable I am without him there. I miss our nightly ritual of touching feet before we go to sleep. I’ve also learned that I need him holding down the other half of the bedding or else I make the bed look like a tornado hit it. Our cat sleeps on his pillow every night instead of in between us or at his feet where she usually sleeps. Then she head-butts me in the middle of the night and curls up next to my chest as if she woke up and realized he wasn’t there and needed to let me know.
Emily has been doing well. She’s been watching her Daddy Bedtime Story videos each night and loves those!! Also, she’s been able to speak to him each day, and video chat with him today, so that keeps her going. Her cup gets full very easily. A 10 second “Hi Daddy, how are you? I love you. Goodbye.” and she’s good for quite a while. She just likes to hear his voice, to see a video of him, or to get a sweet card in the mail like we did after he’d only been gone a few days! Those things make her day and she gets lots of mileage from it.
So far, so good. Hubby has made a friend that is his “Battle Buddy”. They have to use the buddy system everywhere they go right now to avoid anyone going off and doing anything too dumb, I guess. They get along great, and are both Christians and non-smokers which has proven convenient. This weekend they are on a “pass” of sorts. They can’t leave the post, or use a POV (Personally Operated Vehicle), and they have certain times they have to check in or be in a formation. But for a good portion of the day, they can do whatever they want on post. Take a nap, go eat, work out, or go to the “rec” facility and use the WiFi! He was able to go to a church service Sunday morning where they talked about 1 Cor 9:24-27. Running the race and being disciplined in order to get the eternal prize. Very timely!
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Cor 9:24-27)