Scary News

Well, we knew it was always a possibility... after all, Jaime is a soldier... but with his job, the chances of him being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan were next to 0%.  We heard before Christmas that he had been tasked by name to a Unit deploying in Feb, but we had no information and his chain of command was trying to fight it because he is so crucial to the mission here.  Unfortunately, their efforts failed.  We got word yesterday that Jaime will be leaving the 1st week of Feb for training... 4 months in Mississippi... then 12 months in Baghdad.  That's SIXTEEN months... SIXTEEN!!!!  He STILL doesn't know who he's being tasked to, where exactly in Baghdad he's going, or what his job will be once he gets there.  Add that to the fact that he's been given very little time to prepare... we're a little freaked.

Please don't get me wrong.  I would never complain about him having to go.  It's his job and we've been very fortunate that he hasn't gone yet when so many families are on their 3rd or even 4th deployments.  I'm just very worried.  Worried for him of course... scared that he won't be safe while he's there... worried because there is still so much we don't know about his orders... worried because he will miss his girls so badly.  I'm also worried about going it alone for so long.  I feel really stupid even saying it since I'm definitely not the 1st woman to hold down the fort while their soldier went off to war.  And I'm certainly not in the same position as a single mother who has to worry about providing for her children as well as raising them.  But, this is the 1st time I'll be all alone for so long.  All alone in a foreign country.  I've done plenty of short stints while Jaime was on mission, but never for more than a couple months.  Can I do it?  Am I strong enough?  And what about the girls?  How are they going to take having their daddy gone for so long?  They're both old enough to understand where he's going... and they both have friends who's daddy's are deployed, but how will it effect them when it's really happening?  So many things on my mind... gah!

So, I guess it goes without saying... we need your prayers.  Please pray that we get the information we need (where he'll be, what he'll be doing, etc).  Pray that he'll be safe while he's there.  Pray that God give the girls and me peace about the whole thing.  And, please pray that the issues we've been trying to get resolved for MONTHS are taken care of before he leaves so I don't have to deal with it.  lol

Thank you so much for lending an "ear" and thanks in advance for your prayers and positive thoughts.  Love you all!

Comments

[Jacinda]

Still thinking of you and wondering if you'd had anymore news about the deployment.

[Mindy]

I know this can't be easy for any of you. I will pray for your family. (((HUGS)))

[Ange]

Wow. I have not to much to say but to say that I'll be thinking of you and your girls, and your husband. And we all thank you and him and all the families who go through this. Thank you!!

[Avia]

Man! I don't suppose there's any way you could come home while he's gone...

[lizzyfizzy]

i'm praying for you laura!! you have every right to be worried and scared, but i also know that you know Jesus holds our fragile lives in his strong hands and you have nothing to truly fear! i will be thinking of you and praying you get the answers and peace that you need!! HUGS!!!!

[Dana Tate (danagirl82)]

I am so greatful to men like your husband who serve so willingly I will be praying for him and your family.

[Michele]

Laura -- I know I'm so far away, but if there is anything I can do to help, let me know! Maybe a little virtual wii tennis? LOL! I can't imagine what you must be feeling, but know that you are a strong woman and you will make it.

[Teresa Victor]

My heart absolutely goes out to you, Laura. I can't even imagine going through this- you are a much stronger woman than I will ever be. :) I hope you get the information you need to make the most of this news with the least amount of stress and anxiety possible. {{HUGE HUGS to you and your family}}

[mrshobbes]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: it is army wives and mothers such as you who are just as big heroes as the men they let go to fight for their country. I have tears in my eyes because I can understand the fear of not knowing and worrying to distraction. I just want to say: it's your time now to be brave for your man and your girls. But I truly believe that God knows you can handle it. Prayers promised for you and your family!

[kresta]

Sorry you've gotten this news. I would be worried and scared as well. You'll do fine, but we'll all be praying for you.

[Christine]

Just wanted to let you know that I am praying you get all the info you need and that your DH is safe on his journey. My nephew has done 3 tours with his longest being 10 months so I feel for you, even though it is not the same it is still a bit scary. I will be thinking of you and you will be in my T & P every night.

Christine (my4boys)

[Lena Brandenburg]

Laura....(((hugs)))girl. You are such a strong woman, and I'm glad you can vent your worries here. We love you, and all of us over here are praying for all of you over there.

[LuAnn]

that is scary news! I'll keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers!

[ShannonG]

Awww Laura...All of your fears are totally understandable...I will be praying for your family!

[Lani]

my heart goes out to you and your girls. The thought of my husband going away for 16 months makes me want to cry even considering it. I hope you can get the information you need to help you deal with this, and that your husband will stay safe.

[Danielle Lynch]

You can do it. Us women are strong. A man couldn't do it ;-)

[Jacinda]

Oh Laura, my heart goes out to you and your family. 16 months is a terribly long time for ANYONE. My hubby only deploys for 6 months at a time - I can't imagine 16 months. All I can say is get yourself and the girls into a firm routine once he's gone. Routine each day/week will bring them some comfort and control in a world turned upside down. Find some playgroups or kids activity groups (swimming, gymnastics etc) to keep them busy, and see if you can find some mom groups or craft group or something for yourself. Take lots of photos of DH with the girls before he goes, and have them up around the house. My DD loved watching her Daddy on video when he was gone, so see if you can record a couple of hours worth of him reading books to the girls, playing with them, and telling them he loves them.

I will pray for you and your family, that the military will supply all of the info you need, and that everything else will sort itself out. Huge hugs, Jacinda.

P.S. Have DH organise a contractor to come mow the lawns and tidy the garden while he's away. That is one thing you will appreciate, believe me.