Overwhelmed

[Betsyt82]

Just 2 weeks ago my DH got word that in October/maybe September/ he will be deployed to Iraq for up to 18 months. He is a maintenance test pilot for the Black Hawke. He is a weeked guy for the Army National Guard. I am out of my head at this moment in attempting to get a grip on this. We are planning to tell our kids DS6, DD5 this weekend that Daddy will be leaving for a while.

I know that I am a strong woman and that I will always land on my feet and do the things that need to be done. But this is scary for me. Is there any others who have had family go and how did you manage to keep your head up.

Oh and a side note. My 17 1/2 year old cat is on her last legs and I need to call the vet to check her out and I have a feeling she wont be coming home with me alive. I got her right after both of my folks had died of cancer (both had died 19 months apart of 2 different types of cancer) when I was younger and needed to come home to more than 9 plants.

thanks for listening.......

 

[4cruisin]

Betsy,
No advice but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your dh. You are facing a lot right now, but your kids will give you the strength you need to get through each day. You have a lot of friends here if you need us.

Nancy

 

[NMAmy]

Oh, Betsy...how awful for you. I'm so sorry. I was a military wife for many years and I know how hard the separations can be. I luckily never had to worry about my ex being in a war, however--I can only try to imagine the stress for you, particularly with young kids.

One thing you might want to consider is trying to set up a support group with other Guard wives whose husbands are also deploying. If you can get to know them, you can help each other through these difficult times--spending time together, watching each other's children, just having someone to talk to.

Best wishes to your family.

 

[supergoof]

Tell him I, for one, thank him for protecting our freedom! If our country didn't have men and women who give their time and talents, we would not have the freedom we enjoy!
I will be praying for your family, I can only imagine how hard it must be for you all.

Again, Thank Him!

Mike

 

[bjgrazi]

All I can say is my prayers are with you. Thank your husband for me and my heart goes out to you. Keep positive thoughts and positive things will happen.

 

[cynsaun]

I'm so sorry about all you are dealing with right now! I am a former military wife as well, and I know how scary and hard it is for your husband to go.

Please know that the sacrifies that you and your family are making are greatly appreciated by us, and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will also be praying for your husbands safe return soon.

I'm am also truly sorry about kitty! It is so difficult to put your pet down.

I know you will be able to find the strength to make it through this scary and uncertain time. Be sure to keep many friends and family close by for extra support for you and your children.

And remember, we are all thinking about you here!

 

[shortbun]

I'm so sorry this is happening to your family! I really hope
they de-escalate this war rapidly after Iraq takes over so those
men and women there can come home and not so many folks
have to go. I do know that prayer works for me as part of my
efforts to lessen stress. I'll include you in mine.

 

[Dan Murphy]

My thoughts are with you, your family and hubby, Betsy. A thank you for all he and you guys do for us, for everyone. And sad to hear about your kitty, little fur guy has become one of the family, bringing smiles. He will live in your memories forever. My best, my prayers are with you all, and safety for your hubby and all like him.

 

[parmtoo]

Betsy,

I am also a military wife. My husband is still here, for now. We are hearing he will leave for Iraq sometime this fall. This will not be his first deployment, but it may be longer then most.
There isn't much advice, it's a hard thing to deal with. Are you in touch with other wives from the unit? My husband is active duty and we have family support groups that some people find helpful.
If you need to chat, send me a PM.

 

[liznboys]

I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

 

[powellrj]

just sending you a big hug....

 

[EsmeraldaX]

My thoughts are with you. Stay strong.

 

[fantasymagic]

I am sorry. I'll keep you and your family in our prayers. Like the other posters have said, we owe a huge debt of gratitude for your husband. Keep us posted on how you're doing with all of this.

 

[Auggietina]

Betsy

I was in your shoes last November. DH is in the National Guards, He is currently deployed to Iraq, since March.

I also know with the NG, the family support system might not be set up as effectively as the active military, if set up at all.

I belong to a message board that is set up for NG/Reserve families, a great bunch of ladies post there and are in all stages of deployment. If you are interested, just pm me and I'll send you the link.

Keep your chin up!

 

[CindysGusGus]

Retired Navy BRAT here...Prayers and Hugs to you and your family. Do not worry...kids are very resiliant and military wives are the strongest women I know.. You will do fine!

 

[Betsyt82]

Thanks every one. I really appreciate all of you responses.

 

[jrydberg]

Thank you very much for the service to this country... that goes for Betsy, all who are presently serving and all who have in the past. It is something that my daughter and I will never take lightly. You have my thanks and best wishes.

 

[mickeyboat]

Betsy my best friend's DH is in Iraq now. It isn't easy for her or her two DS's 9 and 8 but the NG support group is very helpful for her. Her DH has ready access to phones, so he calls almost every day. It is expensive for them (friends help out a lot by sending phone cards) but it keeps him in touch with his family on an almost daily basis. I hope your family is so fortunate.

Good luck to you. Prayers being sent.

Denae

 

[Betsyt82]

mickeyboat, The guys in DH unit are already planning to get some sort of web cam for the unit while they are there over there. It would be great if they did get it going for us who are left at home.