Yesterday, your world changed.
You kissed the other half of your heart goodbye for 12 long months and went home with worry and loneliness. Whether this is your first deployment or you’re a seasoned pro, your heart is broken.
I feel your pain.
I want to tell you that the year will fly by and, before you know it, this deployment will be but a distant memory in your family history. You know this is true but it’s not what you want to hear right now. Right now, you want to hear his/her voice when you wake up in the morning and right before bed. You want him/her to be there to help with the kids’ homework and give them hugs and kisses at night. You want to see his/her face up close, in person because, even though you saw it yesterday, it’s already been too long.
It’s okay to cry, Momma.
I know you want to be strong for your kids but crying doesn’t show weakness, it shows love. Allow yourself and your kids to feel all the emotions. The sadness, the anger, the hope, the fear; let them out. Eventually, your tears will fade and you’ll slide into a routine but today is a cold, empty fog. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to show your strength and, I promise, your kids and everyone around you will see it. Not everyone can do what you do.
You’ve got this.
Army Wives, Army Mommas …… HOOAH
