It’s no secret that deployments are not only tough on servicemember’s, but also on the loved ones that they leave behind.
In recent years, with the help of social media, I have watched spouses get mocked for saying that deployments are rough on them; as if we aren’t allowed to complain because we aren’t in a war zone.
We could go back and forth about who has it “rougher”. My husband will tell you that those left behind do; those left behind will tell you the servicemember does; and a third party will tell the spouse to shut up, they have it easy and have nothing to complain about (typically it’s another soldier or even spouse that says this).
As I sit here and think about past deployments, I realize through each one just how much stronger I have become. This deployment, by the way, will make the 8th (if memory serves me, I lost count a long time ago).
I am what you call a “seasoned” wife. I can only assume that means that after 17 years I’ve learned a thing or two! My biggest lesson learned, is to try and make peace with Murphy because he will show up and it won’t be pretty.
No matter how hard you try to prepare in order to keep Murphy away, he still shows up; like last deployment when all four vehicles broke at…the…same…time! Seriously, how is THAT even possible!? Yes, my back up to my back up to my back up vehicle even broke. Oh, and it all happened within 24 hours of each other! Thank goodness I know my way around cars and was able to diagnose and fix them.
As I prepare us for this deployment, I can’t help but wonder what shenanigans Murphy will pull this time around. I will still do all of our normal preparation, just as I do with each deployment; but I know he will show up at some point. Will I be ready for him? Probably not!
This time around I plan on keeping a deployment (diary) on my website/blog and of course I will keep this column updated as well; but for the day to day “what is happening with Bridget during deployment” questions, you can read my online deployment diary.
For those that have never been through a deployment, you may get some insight as to what it is like for the spouse to not only go through a deployment but prepare for one and what happens after homecoming. Spoiler alert! It’s not all champagne and roses!
I wonder if I can get my husband to keep a “diary” as well? I am sure if I ask him, I will get the “you’re crazy” look.
To be continued…
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