Monday, March 22, 2010

Behind the Blue Star Banner

I have seen many of my milspouse bloggers join in the following
Wives of Faith Survival Sisters
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


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18 comments:

  1. I am at the three month stage in this deployment and it has amazed me how quickly time has gone by...it wont be easy, that you know, but it is totally achievable. Good luck with tomorrow. Soak up every kiss you can get, cry a little, then get your nails done, have girl time and ice cream :)

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  2. Hope you're doing okay! Sending you positive thoughts girl! (:

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  3. You are so right...sleeping in your bed sprawled out will feel wonderful! You have to think of the positives! I wish I lived close so we could hang out...a pedicure sounds fabulous!

    It also helps to remember that it's 3 months and not a year...that helps me anyway. I just always think there is someone out there who has it worse, ya know. It doesn't matter how long they are gone, you are going to miss him like crazy but you are strong and you've done it before! You can do it again!

    Let me know if you need anything! Be strong tomorrow...I will be thinking about you!

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  4. At least you are looking for the bright side of things. Having the bed to yourself is always a pleasant treat. :)

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  5. thinking about and praying for you pretty girl! it will fly by, i just know it! and you'll be getting giddy and excited about his returning!!! you're in my prayers!!!

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  6. I'm keeping you in my thoughts as you go through this deployment, hun. :)

    I've been enjoying the bed to myself, too. I feel so spoiled, lol.

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  7. Going Overboard by Sarah Smiley is a great book to read! I started reading it the day my husband left and it kept me laughing!

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  8. I'll be praying for you tomorrow! I've never heard of the Survival Sisters, I'll have to look into that. And you're right, you're never alone!

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  9. confessions of a military spouse is a good one.. I forget who it is by and cant go grap it cus all of our stuff is on a boat to germany but the cover is camo and hot pink and she is a marine wife who does stand up comedy. if you dont own it you can get at barnes and noble

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  10. Katie, I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you and for the safety of your husband on this deployment.
    I hope that your day ends up full of people who care to help you through the day.

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  11. I left you a little something over at my blog to hopefully brighten your day! :)

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  12. I have heard great things about the survival sister program! Definitely sending prayers your way!! :) Hopefully this time flies by for you!

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  13. Prayin for you! My hubs leavs in 2 weeks so ill be going through all that soon! But for the first time. :( Hopefully ill be as positive as you are!

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  14. Great idea about reading books to help you get through. You will get through this with ease, I can tell. I love how you are looking at the positive side of things and enjoy those pedicures and the time with girl friends while he's gone!

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  15. You sound like you're feeling so much better about this and I hope that confidence stays! Have fun tomorrow- spoil yourself, do your thing, hangout with friends- whatever it takes!

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  16. I just love your blog!!! I was blog hopping and came over from life in the fulmer lane....im now a new follower of yours!!! Feel free to head over and check out my blog!!! Have a great day!

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