Being a military spouse has its moments - some good, some bad. I actually don't mind the idea of moving every so many years - I think it's kind of fun to see different places, meet different people, and experience different environs. I don't mind the TDYs (Temporary Duty Assignments) and I don't even mind the occasional deployment. But there are moments and times when it is very hard to be a military spouse. The constant worry, the frequent unknowns, and the loneliness that can accompany all of the above makes life a little harder some days.Here at the end of Erick's first deployment, it has become increasingly difficult - especially with the holidays. Now, before you begin to despair over my sad sad life, DON'T!! Yes, it's been tougher these past few days, but I've had plenty to keep me from falling into despair. I have been looking forward, these past few weeks, to a visit from the Brown family and I'm very happy to say, we had a great time!
Elliot, was of course, as cute as could be. He is much more mobile than he was the last time I saw him, and the puppies noticed that as well. They still loved Elliot - he just freaked them out a few times with his power crawling, face grabbing, and high squealing. We spent the first day at Ikea (the greatest store on the face of the earth) and went to one of my favorite Thai restaurants for dinner. Elliot loved him some curly strips of zucchini that came with our appetizers.
The next day was FREEZING cold, but we braved the elements and spent the day at the Smithsonian. The American History museum was re-opening after a two year renovation, so we went there first. It was packed full of people and folks dressed as figures throughout history -- way fun. We got Star Spangled Banner pins, but did not get to see the actual banner because the line for that was pretty long. Then we set off for the Natural History Museum to entertain Elliot with the fish and animal displays there. That night, it got even colder and the wind had picked up considerably. We walked from the Smithsonian to the Old Ebbit Grill by the White House to meet Marco and just about froze to death doing so. The food, however, was delicious, and Elliot had a good time with some noodles, green beans, and spoons. He also had an affinity for the waitress' name badge. Sunday was devoted to sight seeing with Marco since he was in his convention for most of the trip. After stopping in at the Spanish branch for sacrament, we spent the day touring GWU Hospital, a street with a couple of homeless shelters, (sorry guys - my bad!) Union Station, then saw the Supreme Court, US Capitol and the Library of Congress. We reached the Library of Congress at 4:30 but even though they were to stay open until 5:OO - they had locked the doors so we were unable to see that great place.
All too soon, their visit was over, but I had yet another visitor to look forward to. My older sister had flown in from TX and the next week was spent with my family. We had a great time playing games and eating food. We spent the evening in our usual way - playing games and enjoying each others company....and eating far too much pie. 
2 comments:
It's sounds like you had fun with your family over Thanksgiving. Such a GREAT distraction when you're a military spouse. I must say, Gretchen, I'm impressed that you can "not mind the deployments". I'm uber glad that this will probably be David's first and LAST deployment. (His contract ends in Feb 2010.) I would enjoy other benefits of military life - like moving around and seeing the world - but it is tough to have him gone. I admire those families who face deployment after deployment, and my hat's off to you because I know that this probably won't be Erick's last. You amaze me Gretchen!
Thanks Robyn!! I'm glad that this is most likely David's last deployment - I wish this were it for Erick - but I feel that every time we have these separations we grow stronger as a couple - it helps us to appreciate each other - so we try to look at these deployments as blessings in disguise. That being said....I cried like a baby when he left!!! Still, surrounding myself with family, friends, and clinging to the gospel has helped me survive this deployment much better than I believed possible when he first left - so really they deserve the credit - I could not have done it without them! I hope that you guys have had the opportunity of communicating on a semi-regular basis - that helps these deployments tremendously. It seems that you have had a few distractions as well with Sarah's upcoming wedding and Jim's engagement -- those are the best kinds of distractions!!!
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