It's been quite a while since I have posted, we have been very busy! Our first deployment started at the beginning of October. First, let me explain my gratitude that this is our first deployment after being here a little over a year. We knew this day was coming, but it snuck up on us so fast!
Like all deployments are I am sure, this was a huge inconvenience. We had so many life changes and circumstances we were/are going through and deployment just topped it off. But let me tell you friends, this first deployment has taught me so much. I have learned many of lessons of which I know I would have never learned if it wasn't for this beautiful Air Force life..
1) You are stronger than you realized or thought you could ever be. Everyone says this, but its so true. There are some days I feel like I can barely take care of myself, let alone my young toddler and infant. But by God's strength he gives me, I manage to still pull through and meet every need that needs to be met that day and then some.
2) You discover the people you really thought you could rely on for support during this season of life aren't there, and the ones you never thought would offer support are right there for you. Learn from this and apply the lessons learned in your life, you will be a happier person.
3) Prayer becomes a multiple times/day routine. Whether its praying for your spouse to stay safe and healthy, or just to let you make it through the day.. prayer and time with God definitely increases. I think we learn to offer Him more praise during this time too.
4) Some days will suck. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that, owning those feelings, and staying in your pajamas all day and eating chocolate while the kids destroy the house ;) You just pray for a better tomorrow.
5) You will realize just how much you actually love and cherish your spouse. Sure you may fight and have your times, but when they are far away and in danger's path and really not being guaranteed they will walk through that door way at home ever again.. you realize just how much they mean to you and how much you love and cherish them.
6) There's nothing wrong with asking for help. I personally struggled a lot with this in the beginning, but I soon realized I wouldn't survive this deployment if I didn't start asking for some help.
7) You will grow even closer to your children. I have always loved my boys and always will, but there's just something about playing the roles of both mama and daddy to your kids, doing your own daily routine together, celebrating holidays just the four of us, and witnessing every new milestone together that make you grow even closer. It's really a wonderful feeling.
8) You have to find your happy place. Go ahead and laugh, but my happy place is Target. I love it, I don't quite know why, I just do. Twice a week the boys and I go there. I stop at Starbucks next door for a mama drink ( A dear AF friend sent me a SB giftcard as a deployment gift, best thing ever!) and off we go in our trusty Britax double for the next two hours. Sure my kids may scream, but what toddler and infant doesn't?
9) Things can and will go wrong. I know so many friends who say this same thing, and it really is true. Whether it's health problems with yourself, the kids, the pets, or an injury.. a crazy storm, blown over tree, broken appliance, it will happen on deployment. Just expect it, and if it doesn't end up happening, you will be that much happier and relieved when deployment is over :) Along with this, there will be many 'firsts'.. perhaps the first time you have had to make a home repair on your own, or build something, or deal with certain life issues and kids all on your own, for the first time. It's scary, but it really is an amazing feeling to know you are doing this all on your own, you are accomplishing so much, and persevering through all thats being thrown your way.
10) No matter how slow the days seem to go by, remember each night when the kids are in bed, all household chores are taken care of, the pets are fed, and you are finally laying down to sleep yourself.. remember you have made it another day and you are one day closer to a sweet reuniting.
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