Saying Goodbye

Today is our farewell from the unit. It doesn't seem like we have been here that long...in fact, it seems like we just got here. But nevertheless, it is time to move on. I think that you understand better in the military than anywhere that time is short and life gives you the opportunity to make each day matter.

I guess that I also instinctively know that we are not just saying goodbye to a job and home, but the family that we created here. From our neighbors whose homes became our children's other home to the unit that always found a way to bring our families together and help out when you needed it most. I can remember one night while Dan was deployed Jack fell and needed stitches, it was one of the worst snow storms ever. We had two feet of snow and I had to drive 45 min to a pediatric emergency room. One of my neighbors drove me in a 4 wheel drive car she borrowed so that I could hold Jack in the back seat...because I couldn't get my car out of the garage. She stayed with me, and helped me, I just don't know what I would have done without her. The next day, I needed to go and get medicine at the store and I got myself dressed to get my car out of the garage I walked outside to see a unit member shoveling my driveway. I couldn't believe my eyes, just 30 minutes before there was over 2 feet of snow covering my whole driveway! He even fixed my garage door that had gone off track with the weight of snow pressed against it.

I guess it make me reflect on the fact that while we do have our "issues" they seemed to get solved quickly. I phone call or email to work out what problem has occurred. I guess I naturally shift to a recent issue with a family member that is mad at me for something that I accidentally said, why? I guess, I don't understand why there is a need to be angry and bitter, life seems so short. Maybe, there is just that one person out there that is meant to challenge you so that you can always appreciate the gifts that life has to offer.

If you can, take time to reflect of previous places that you have been and people that meant something special to you. People that you have lost contact with or that have passed away. Life is short, and people are special, always value the good people in your life!

Everybody needs a little help from their friends!

My husband and I recently got back from Jamaica, we went for a wedding and decided to make a vacation out of it spending 6 days and 5 nights. I have to admit it was a bit of forced fun, when his brother told us the wedding was a destination wedding in Jamaica, there was a bit of grumbling. Our first response was how are we going to do this? How can we manage the 3 kids schedules, school, military, PCS, my work, and money? I remember taking a breath, smiling and saying, "Wow, Jamaica, how fun!"

As we drove home, we were a little in shock. Even though I was unsure if we could pull it off, I did not want to interfere with their special day. I had to scold my husband, the pessimist, as he criticized his brother's decision, he immediately voiced all the reasons that we could not do it. And I said, "Who are we to tell them what they should do? How many times have we been criticized for your decision to be a soldier? Let's just support him and decide that we are going to do everything we can work out the rest. Besides I have always wanted to go to Jamaica, so do you, let's just focus on that and his special day and the rest will fall into place."

And with that attitude, it did. We had about nine months to plan, and everything worked out. The wedding was at a perfect time for his job and mine. My Mom offered to watch our children, and a team of friends chipped in to help with rides to practices, games, parties, babysit, and help my Mom. We went away worry free, and for the first time in 9 years we had time to relax and reconnect. I am tearing up just thinking of how blessed we are to have the greatest family on earth! (Military family and friends included!!!)

I learned a very important lesson, everybody needs a little help from friends and there is no shame in asking for it. While away, I could see that I have some of the greatest people and that I am truly blessed. For years, I tried to pretend I was superwoman and could do everything without help and I was so wrong! I need help like everyone else, I wish I would have swallowed my pride and accepted it more often. I really feel rejuvenated for the first time in almost 9 years, at peace. So if you can, take a little time for you. Find ways to ask for help when you need it, even if it is just to get a sitter for an afternoon nap!