It's Like Being Deployed.....Kind of

Every month thousands of husbands and wives say goodbye to each other to do what needs to be done – serve their country. Children hug their mother or father one last time as they are deployed. Thank God neither Tony nor I are heading off to war. We are the fortunate ones. Our lives are not in danger. We will be able to see each other on a regular basis. Even so, we are choosing to look at our situation as a ‘deployment’ of sorts. Our separation is a temporary one.

As those couples have made an informed decision about joining the military, Tony and I took a long time before we made a choice about what we need to do to pay our bills. We have always said we would rather be happy in our jobs than make a lot of money. However, after doing that for the last 17 years, we are done living paycheck to paycheck. We are worth more than that - as is our family. It is time for us to find both jobs we love and a salary we deserve so that we can support our family.

Our decision was not made lightly. It comes at a cost. A couple pieces of me are missing. It is not easy being without Tony and Sana. Living in someone else’s home. Not being there with Sana when she says goodbye to her dog for the last time. Knowing they are packing up the house and I cannot help. Feeling helpless being so far away. Yet, within all the loneliness and helplessness is hope and the reminder that we made this decision together. Husband and wife. Doing what needs to be done. Where that job will be for me and where it will take me, I do not know. What I do know is that I am very much in love with my husband and that we will make this work.

Comments

WABDR: Section 1

Section 1 We end at the beginning Does it feel like this trip will never end? Epic adventures tend to last a bit longer than just an average one. So….on with our tale. We got our bikes all packed up and continued over White Pass. The first time we went over it, it was a cloudy day. Thus, the visibility of the mountains was not much. I was expecting the same on our return trip to Packwood. Therefore, it took my breath away when I saw the mountain off in the distance for the first time. The beauty was so overwhelming, I teared up. I continued to watch the mountain until I could see it no more. Soon we were in Packwood. Back where we started. After a quick breakfast at the local coffee shop, we were on our way. I may have taken a few minutes to ride the big bike first… Not too long though, because someone was ready to get moving. Jennifer had some friends that were camping at Walupt Lake, which is right on the trail for Sectio...

An Easter Lesson

I decided that this break I was going to stay home and spend the week doing things I have not done or haven't done in awhile. It all began Thursday night with Ballroom Dancing, which will continue on Monday and Thursday with lessons. Saturday, I bought a couple of new outfits. Today brought both something I hadn't done in awhile and something new. Today, I went to church which was pretty cool in itself. I went with someone I just met the day before. (I am sure that is no surprise to any of you who know me.) We made plans to meet up at church. It was different from any church I had been in before. The chairs were set up "in the round." There was no piano or organ to accompany our singing. People were in and out throughout the 90 minute service. No surprise, the place was packed. The service was your typical protestant service, minus the organ, of course. It had been awhile since my friend had been to church. Many in the congregation flocked to him at the end to gi...

WABDR: Section 3

SECTION 3: The Washout “Do you ever just find yourself smiling real big because we are doing this?” I asked Jen. “No, I randomly start laughing when I think of you doing this trip.” We chuckled about it a bit before taking a quick sidetrip to check out an old working saloon and segregated cemetery in Roslyn Kevin told us about. There was a bit of asphalt to ride before getting back on the route. Eight miles on the freeway with a little 250cc can be nerve-wracking to say the least. Add 18-wheelers and RVs to the equation, and it is downright daunting. The speed limit was 70. My bike went 55 before it would start shaking. Before too long, we were at our exit. Back to country roads. Wind in my face, music in my ear, my sister behind me, I was in top of the world. Add the incredible scenery. Joy was pouring out my every pore. We pulled over to get photos of the bouquet for our eyes. Unfortunately, smell was the sense being accosted. Something s...

Jumpin' Off the Edge

Search This Blog