So I feel a little embarassed by last post.
Like I was being a whiny wife.
Especially after Brenna, a military wife of 8 years, reminded me how important it is for us to be supportive & realize they need to focus on their duties. And that they do love us. They’re just busy.
Also, something else. We all recieved letters from Joseph today. (The kid’s first letter from their dad.) Like, real, tangible, snail mail letters from the mail man. The kids were ecstatic. They each got a personal letter & a $5 bill.
Hyrum read his letter out loud & laughed at a few parts.
His favorite part:
Make sure that you give your brother, sisters, & mom a big hug from me, because I can’t be there to do it myself. Also make sure you give a big hug to yourself. Just wrap your arms around yourself & squish yourself. Love, Dad.
Isn’t he a funny dad?
I think the kids are going to carry their letters around with them for a few days. I think they are going to make me read their letters again & again, until they have it memorized.
Of course I got a letter too. A much anticipated piece of evidence that my husband still loves me.
My favorite part:
Do you remember when we met? It was like coming home, being with you. You remain the one person (well, the kids too, but in a different way) whose company I prefer to my own, & when I am away from you, I feel displaced. I feel unmoored & adrift. They keep us so dang busy here that I guess I don’t have much opportunity to dwell on it, but when it hits, it hits like a hammer.
This is just what I needed to hear. I am better now.
You are not whiny in the least. I can only imagine how hard it is to be without the love of your life.
As for Joseph’s words…OH MY! It made me tear up a little and I don’t even know him.
I know you do, but cherish him and all of the time your family has together.
So sweet, almost a little teary here! You don’t have to apologize for “complaining” because it is hard! My husband is just gone a few days a week for work, and I complain too much, but I try to think of you and many others who have family members serving our country and are gone for a long time. You have a sweet family, thanks for sharing this.
Thank you Lindsay. Being seperated from your spouse is never easy–be it a few days, or months–it’s still hard!
P.S. you are not whiny!
My husband was in the Navy before we married. Now he is a police officer. Not quite the same thing as military, but similar enough. My heart goes out to you. Another cyber hug coming your way!
Kristi, you are the best! I love your cyber hugs
. Anyone in public service deserves our respect, for sure. Your husband, while not in the military, is putting himself out there every day to help make your city a safe place to live. Not an easy task. It’s funny how growing up, becoming an adult, you realize how much our parents sacrificed for us kids, & likewise, how many people each day, are real life heros in their own right, protecting our country & sacrificing time w/ family so we can have freedom. Anyway, grateful to live in this country, & grateful for people like your husband & mine who are willing to serve & keep us safe & free!
Me again
I just had to say what a thoughtful husband you have! He obviously knows your heart and the way to make it feel fulfilled! Military life is hard a lot of the time, but oh so rewarding in ways that “civilians” (yuck, I hate using that term!!) just will never be able to understand. Hand-written letters when you haven’t had a decent conversation in a while and sweet reunions after months apart are some of my favorite parts of this life!
I know, he is the BEST. I agree, military life has it’s ups & downs, & though we’re just beginning our journey, Joseph & I feel so strongly about what we are doing by being apart of the AF. It’s something we can believe in. Someone has to do it, why not us? You’re right, many people who are not a part of this life cannot understand it. Even more reason to remember that us military wives are not alone! Thank you for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your insights.
(And boy oh boy, that reunion, come December, is going to be *epic*!)
This is so heart warming. Like a real life love story. His words are beautiful. I just love everything about it. I don’t feel like there is any reason to feel embarrassed about expressing your needs to your husband. It didn’t come off as whiny at all, and I think it is so important to communicate things like when you feel like you need a little more. I also can’t say that I fathom how difficult it must be to have him away. I honestly don’t think I could do it. But I do know that you are an awesome person, and amazing mother and wife. I second what Heather said, thank you for the sacrifice you are all making. And thank you for sharing it all with us here, I love your blog and devour each and every post
“Like a real life love story.” I know I’m super lucky/blessed/fortunate to be living the dream of real life love story. It’s true.
“So important to communicate things like when you feel like you need a little more.” I agree. Communication IS the foundation of any successful relationship, which is why I start getting a little ancy when I don’t hear from him for a few days.
You are super, duper sweet, thanks for the compliment, Alissa. Really makes my day.
Your husband is so precious. What he said to you was absolutely sweet and poetic at the same time. He is a gem.
I agree–he’s a keeper. Thank you for saying so, Jane.
I am such a sentimental person…those letters, something for the kids to treasure FOREVER!! (and you too)..Hopefully the letters will keep you all going until the next one arrives!
I know, especially in this age of emails & texts, a handwritten letter means that much more. In all of the letters Joseph tells the kids what he loves about them, & talks about the things they are good at, then gives them some advice (all the while putting things in there to make the kids laugh). I agree, we’re going to treasure these!
I love it! What great letters and it’s totally okay that you were feeling a little insecure. I get that. And then, like magic, you got what you needed and we all got to see it unfold. It couldn’t have been planned better. I’m glad you got your letters and I hope they get you through to the next ones. It’s hard to be separated, but you’re doing a great job as a mom and a wife. Keep going.
I know, those letters came just when we all needed them! Fortuitous, to say the least. Thank you for your words of encouragement, Candice.
Wonderful, J! This reminds me of a quote I saw on Pinterest (perhaps on one of your boards?) that says something about great things happening just when you’re losing hope. I’m the one smiling for you tonight, friend.
I know–just when we needed it, we all got some extra love & an extra shot of hope. How lucky are we?!
Oh my gosh, that note to Hyrum makes my heart melt: “because I can’t be there to do it myself.” Your husband sounds like an amazing man and I’m so grateful for the sacrifice your whole family is making!
Thank you Heather, I never realized how much military families have to sacrifice, until now, that we’re living this life. Thank you for your gratitude.