Departure Day involved Finn hanging off daddy most of the day
with only 2 hrs before we load up the kids are trying to pack a year's worth of activity into an hour -
It's time...
everyone is unusually quiet as we pass freeway signs leading to the piers -
incredibly long lines at the gate and tons of traffic for a Sunday night, every one of these cars is either dropping someone off for deployment or exiting the base with crying kids in the car, ugh.
As we look for a parking spot you start to see the long line of sailors waiting to board, that is the aircraft carrier (or "boat" as we call it) in the background. If you have never seen one in person, well, I can't even describe the size of it!
The insanity starts... this is the line to board the ship! To get an idea of how many people are in line, those lights in the furthest left corner are the carrier. There are close to 6000 men and women onboard an aircraft carrier so that gives you an idea of how long it takes to board and get underway!
The hubs' mind is already a thousand miles away at this point I think.
One last photo...
Rumor has it this will be the longest deployment we have been through thus far. I will now start the usual routine of cleaning the house like Spring Cleaning, rearranging furniture, organizing... pretty much anything I do I do it "furiously" now, like I'm in a race! I don't know why that is, but I have asked around and I have found many other spouses have the same reaction. Keeping busy, I guess!
So, ready or not... here we go!
I remember how hard it was for us when hubby went to Korea (one year tour) and deployed twice. Those goodbye's suck... Before we had kids, I went back to work the very next day and I remember my boss being shocked by that. But like you said, keeping busy and trying to get your mind off it. I'll keep you and the family in my thoughts and hope this time flies by and nothing goes wrong!!
ReplyDeleteOh, gaaah. I just sat down at the computer and read my daughter's latest post (kept myself from crying by using extreme will power and sticking pins in my knee -- kidding) but couldn't hold back the tears reading yours. Sending hugs to all involved including the big guy on the "boat."
ReplyDeleteI just can't begin to imagine how hard that is, saying goodbye again. Hopefully launching into the chores will distract you from some of the ache. Big time hugs and thanks to your whole family for their commitment and sacrifice for the rest of us (((hug))).
ReplyDeleteThank-You for your service to your country by allowing your husband, one of our heroes, to deploy in his service to our country. It the ones left behind that are forgotten about but you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you really get in jam I am only about 4 hours away. I will come help anyway I can. Between the 2 of us "handy" gals we can conquer it all I'm sure. Keep it in mind, you and the boys are not alone.
ReplyDeleteI agree ... Thank You & all of yours. Projects & staying busy really do help keep your mind off thinking too hard.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Mama Pea! I cried through this whole post!! I don't know HOW you do it!!! And how do you help the kids deal with it??!?! Our world is SO messed up - my heart goes out to your family BIG time! You are a hero in my book!
ReplyDeleteYup, this is a tear jerker post cause even my eyes watered up thinking about how difficult this must be for everyone. I hope the time goes quickly for you all. I'm sure those two wonderful boys will keep you very busy
ReplyDeleteOh Erin, I can't even begin to imagine what you, your boys and the hubby are going through. Hang in there. I know you can do it, but that doesn't make it better, does it?
ReplyDeleteDitto on everyone else's post. What a tough time - on all four of you. I hope the deployment goes extra fast for you all. I think that doing massive cleaning, sorting, organizing, etc. helps keep your focus where you are, vs. where he is (not). I do wish we were all closer - I am very good at providing comic relief...hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteAwww, you are all the best! Thanks for the words of support and encouragement! One good thing I have found is that it seems that I get more "blog-worthy" homestead-y projects done during a deployment, must be all that "extra time" I have not doing the hubs' laundry! :) We will get through it, I'm sure this one will be harder than the last for the kids since they have more of a concept of time now. On the agenda for this week is to start in earnest planning this year's garden and seed ordering :)
ReplyDeleteErin- Thank you to you, your hubby, and your kids for your service to our country. I hope this time goes by quickly, and uneventfully, until hubby gets home. Is it selfish for me to say I am excited to see more blogposts in the future? I love reading your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteSo sad for you and the boys ,good thoughts going your way
ReplyDeleteBeen there and done that. Wish you and the kids the best and hope he stays safe.
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan, thanks for stopping by and for the well wishes!
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