A dear friend just got word that her son, a relatively new recruit, may be deploying. His unit has just finnished a "winter warfare" exercise - which she has referred to as "winter camping" and the pictures he has sent her of "combat" have her a bit freaked out.
I do not know any details of when/where/what yet, but it really doesn't matter. There have been a couple of articles lately on SpouseBUZZ ~ Do Some Deployments Count More Than Others? and Early Lessons in the Snowflake Phenomenon (which references THIS awesome post) which talk about how each deployment is different, with its own challenges and emotions.
I have been reflecting a bit on various deployments of loved ones I have expereinced. Obviously there are differences between the Wolf and Sebastian, differences between peacekeeping in Cyprus, mid 90's tours in the Balkans, protecting the apple harvest in Macedonia, or recent business trips to Afghanistan. The list goes on. Differences in who I was during these deployments, where I was in my relationship with the one deployed, and in my relationship with myself.
Snowflakes.
So after some thought and reflection, I offered to my friend the only words I could. I'm here. With a hug, a shoulder, whatever may be needed. It does not really matter where her son is going, what he will be doing. Her feelings are real, and her own, and I will be there for her no matter what.
Because no matter what else this life throws at us, we have each other. We have to.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
1 comment:
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I'm here, too. Give her my email. Maybe I can put a smile on her face...or gas or something.
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