Behind the Blue Star Banner

I have seen many of my milspouse bloggers join in the following

I had wished to participate in this semester of Survival Sister's but missed the deadline. I did however order off the barnes and nobles website the founder of Survival Sister's, Sara Horn's book God Strong. The Military Wife's Spiritual Survival Guide. It couldn't have come at a better time. I got it in the mail last Friday after recently hearing about our friend Rachel's devastating news. Even though I haven't started reading it yet, it offered a little bit of comfort.

In the past when M has deployed I threw myself into reading anything and everything written by miltiary spouses. I subscribe to military spouse magazine and have a ton of books written by milspouses. And now that I'm a part of the blogging world it will be easy to read about others going through what I am.
My favorite book is Behind the Blue Star Banner by Michelle Cuthrell. She was a 23 year old newlywed, stationed with her hubby in Alaska, and 11 weeks pregnant when her husband deployed for a year. I just love the candidness of her story and the way I can relate to her experiences. She admits to having rough days but also finds the strength and courage to try and make the best of deployment. I started reading her book again last night and couldn't put it down. It was just another reminder that I am not alone in this and that I can do it. I've been through it once and I can do it again

A few weeks ago when anyone asked how long M was deploying for, I would blow it off and just say three months. Piece of cake. Boy was I in denial. I didn't think it would be this hard to say good bye again. Last time he deployed I was just getting off the high of getting married, I was staying in my hometown and had moved back in with my parent's. This time it's a whole new ball game. I am in a different city, far away from family and friends and though I have made some good friends here, we all know how some military friendships are. Some girls you know you can turn too and others you can't. Luckily I have a few good friends who are taking me out to dinner tomorrow night to make my day a little easier

Yesterday as M packed all day I just felt this knot in the pit of my stomach. I felt empty. As his stuff was strewn around our living room, I couldn't help but think it will be three months until he is home again. Three months until his messes litter the house, three months until he is laying next to me in bed again. I guess no matter how often they leave you never get used to it.

I know that work and my friends will keep me busy and tomorrow, after I kiss my hubby goodbye I will go one with my day because that is what I need to do to make it through. Thank you for all your kind comments yesterday. And for any of you that would love to meet up I am def up for it!! Also do any of you have any good books written by or about military spouses that you recommend? I am always looking for something new to read

And on a side note, after spending the night with one dog laying next to me, one dog on my feet and smushed between my hubby who takes up half the bed, sleeping by myself in our bed is starting to look pretty good. Hey I gotta have something to look forward too, that and my pedicure tomorrow!!
Thanks again everyone for your support. You are all amazing