Having Jeremy in the National Guard, we had always know that being deployed was a possibility, but it's just one of those things you hope and pray doesn't. I will always remember the day that I got the phone call from Jeremy telling me they had been called up. I was on my way to my brothers house for a family get together and Jeremy called me to tell me he was going to be late. I wasn't being very understanding about that, and let him know that I wasn't very happy about it. He proceeded to tell me he'd had a rough day and we needed to talk about something, but he wanted to tell me in person what it was about. So naturally I had all these things running through my head trying to figure out what he needed to tell me. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not the most patient gal, so of course I couldn't just wait for him to get there, I had to know right then. He agreed that he would tell me, but not until I had gotten to Shad and Julia's house and wasn't driving anymore. Now I was really nervous to what he was going to tell me. At that point I was driving past the Golf Course and about to get off the exit. I pulled up and had the kids get out and go in without me. I will never forget what he said to me after that... "I got a phone call today and our unit is being deployed". My heart just dropped, and the tears started to come. How could this be happening??? Then the questions started from me... WHEN... WHERE... HOW LONG? I couldn't believe this was happening to us.
We talked for a little bit and I cried A LOT, and then decided I better go inside. When I got inside everyone was wondering what was going on. All they knew was the kids went in and said, "My mom's talking to my dad on the phone and she is really mad." So they knew that I had been crying and then I broke the news to them. Let me just tell you, the mood went somber really quick. I am SO lucky to have such a GREAT family support. I knew whatever came my way I could handle.
The deployment day came and it was one of the hardest days I have ever had, but I knew that we would be ok. It was a long hard year, but we made it through it.
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This is the first time we saw Jeremy after a year of being gone. There were so many emotions that day. Excitement, Pride, Love, Happiness, and Nervousness! I was SO nervous!
They tried to prep us for the reunion, telling us that the Soldier that we sent off would never be the same again. They really focused on PTSD and how real it is. I think that a lot of us wives thought and felt some of the same things. There were a lot of "unknowns" that we were facing and going to have to deal with, but we hoped that things would just be peachy once again. It's been really nice to have made so many GREAT friends with other "army wives" and to have them to lean on whenever we need each other. It is especially hard watching some of my best friends go through some very hard trials in their lives, many of which were brought on by their PTSD. But if there is one thing I learned through this deployment, it's that we are stronger than we ever thought possible, and we will keep pushing on and get through whatever might come our way.
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I am extremely blessed to have such a great husband. I am so proud of him for serving our country. I can honestly say that I am a much stronger person having gone through this, and I know that we can handle anything that comes our way.
22 comments:
That was a great post Lis. I can't even begin to imagine how hard that would be going through that. It makes me grateful for those who are willing to make those sacrifices. You are one tough cookie. I was amazed at your strength and positive attitude while he was gone. I am so glad Jeremy made it home safe and all has been well for your cute little fam the past year. Love ya!
First, you posted! And what a great post it is, of course it made me cry. I saw first hand what a sacrifice it truly was for all of you, and also how people rallied around and pitched in when you needed it. You guys trully are stronger, both of you, individually and seprately! I'm proud of all of you!
eesh I always kind of wished that Eben could have been in the guard (he couldn't because he has a bad leg) after 9/11 but I dont think people know what they are getting into. What a huge trial that is for a family to go through. Im so proud of our country and for those amazing troops and there wifes/husbands who make such a sacrafice. Im happy that Jeremy is home safe and sound.
Lis, I am at a loss for words! I didn't think i'd read this and cry. I got cold chills! I look up to you so much. I am so glad that Jeremy made it home safe. Love ya!
What a strong lady you are! I am glad that year is behind you and Jeremy is home safe. That was a very nice post.
Lisa. What a struggle these past 2years have been. The sacrifice that is given is much more than anyone realizes. I am so grateful that I have had you for a friend throughout these times. Having someone to truly understand is priceless. I know that HF sent you and I to eachother to be friends, because if I didn't have you to "get it" I would have felt so alone. Your post is bittersweet. Love you.
I am thankful for the sacrifice that your husband and the other men and women do for our country. And I am grateful for families like yours that let their loved ones go so that they can serve our country.
Beside every great man stands a good woman. You are that woman for Jeremy and an example to the rest of us. Thanks for being willing to make such a huge sacrifice for the rest of us.
Thank you Lisa for such an amazing amazing post. I will never understand every emotion that may be felt being an army wife. I will never understand the sacrifice or the love, dedication, desire, will and most of all Strength that it takes to be an army wife. I can honestly say to you that I think you are a truly admirable person, wife and mother. I have always been so thankful to know you were my friend and it's your posts like these that put what really matters in life into perspective.
I am extrodinarily proud to be an American and I could never tell all the soliders or their families how much their lives mean to me and how my soul is filled with gratitude knowing a total stranger would risk his and hers life for mine and family. Thanks again for making life so much more worth being thankful for and let Jer know how much we appreciate him.
ps, its me kerra. I'm at work blogging:)
That was a tough year and I never thought I would make it through but we all did and have every one home safe. I love these guys for what they do and we to have grown closer and stronger as a family because of it. I am glad everything is well with your family. This year with the guys home has just gone so fast probably because there was a lot of catching up to do.
what an amazing story. I'm so glad you shared it. I can't even imagine what you went threw. I remember when cody had to leave jody and the kids. What a crazy thing to have to do in life. I'm glad you survived and have your family all together. I can't believe it's been a year. Good luck with everything. Your kids are cute and getting so big.
What a great post. You are so strong and I am so glad that year is behind you. I admire your strength and your attitude, I have a hard time when Chad just goes out of town for a week! Your amazing. And thank you Jeremy for your service!
I am amazed that it has been a year! Wow! I am grateful for the people that serve our country!!
I agree with the other comments..
You are an amazing girlie that you handled the house, family, and kept it together! I'm not sure I could have.. Your amazing!
I've always said that I don't know what its like to send a husbund to war, but I sent two brohers and I know the pain an strugle that goes along with that so I can only imagine if it were your husbund!!
lisa that was the sweetest post!! it is amazing how much stonger you become throgh a deployment... i totally second that! i can't believe its already the year mark... i hope you dont mind but i used a little bit of what you wrote in my post about them coming home.. i loved what you said about that part and you just took the words right out of my mouth.. so thanks for putting it into words! haha glad you guys are doin so good!hope your having a fun summer so far:)
Lisa & Jeremy, I can't beleive it's been a year.....you both have made some tremendous sacrifices and we all love and thank you for doing it. We are so glad Jer made it back safely.....but you gotta warn us if you are gonna make us cry from another blog post!
Thank you Jeremy! And Lisa, you are one strong woman. I have so much respect for army men and wives. What a tough job you have.
You brought tears to my eyes. I feel honored to teach military children. Jeremy is a hero and so are you. I truly admire you guys. Great post!
I love that feeling of pride in your country and in the flag. It represents so much for all of us and I wish that we all recognized that feeling more often. I always feel that way around the 4th and when I hear the national anthem during a good rodeo or something.
Lisa...
First...I am sorry it took so long to see this post you did!! Second...WOW!! You made my eyes water....and I am just so amazed at the sacrifice your family went through for our country! THANK YOU!!! I know it probably wasn't easy, but you are an amazing and supportive wife, and Jeremy is just so fantastic for doing what he did!!
It was so good to see you last weekend!! I am sorry I didn't come and get bows...but I really am in need of some more, especially a teal one...I realized today as I was getting Kaylee dressed that I didn't have a flower to match her outfit! :) So I will be in touch!
Thanks again!
Brittany
Wow! I can't even imagine how hard that year would have been. I'm so grateful for those who serve our country but also to their families that sacrafice so much too. It was great to hear your story. Thanks for sharing!
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