Ben will be deploying sometime in the near future.  We've been blessed (he would say cursed) with only one short 6 month deployment.  That's not to say that we've been together day after day for years.  The past year has been the longest time we've been together for consecutive days and I was the one gone for a couple of days in April.   

We've been enjoying Ben's leave these past couple of weeks.  He returns to work on Thursday where he will sign in and learn more details of his deployment.  This starts the beginning of stress.  Already we are close to the constant bickering that happens near separation.  Deployments are even harder (yes, I know this even after just one).  

So, we prepare.  We prepare by packing in as much fun as possible in the time we have left.  We prepare by purchasing all his necessary uniforms.  We prepare all necessary legal documentation.  And, we prepare by discussing what can be considered morbid things; details of a funeral.  We have to be brutally honest and realize that even with a "safe" job, he will be in harms way.  I would feel better with Iraq, but he's slated for Afghanistan.  So, we discuss things so that if something should happen, decisions have been made to help alleviate some of the stress during a tough time.  I don't know if other military families do this, but we do.  

Oh, and Ben will promoted to Lieutenant Colonel next month.  I'm proud of him; and the pay raise is nice.

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9 responses to “Deployments”

  1. Jennifer Avatar

    We’re praying for you all KC. I can’t imagine how hard the separation must be. Hugs,
    Jenn

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  2. Jennifer Avatar

    Yuck, yuck, yuck.
    If it’s any consolation, KC, we do the same thing with funeral arrangements. And the bickering? “Bicker so that separating won’t be as painful.” Such a crazy psychology, but I don’t know many who don’t go through it (I actually thought we were the only ones for a long time).
    Deployments are a special cross, and I’ll be praying for you guys. And congrats on the promotion! Do we call him big Ben now? ; )

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  3. Paula in MN Avatar

    I’ve never gone through this, so I won’t pretend I know what you are or will be dealing with. I will be holding you and Ben and the kids all in prayers.

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  4. Sue Avatar

    Yay for his promotion! Somehow I missed this news!
    Prayers for you all. We don’t talk about funerals, but we do discuss who gets which guitar….

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  5. John Avatar
    John

    If you need any pointers we are her for you. I have all my stuff set up since this will be #4 for us. It is SOP for us to close the loops on wills, POA’s, and all the funeral stuff…. You know, in case I crash (let alone get shot at). I will give Ben a call when I get over there.
    Let Ben know if he needs to talk my phone is always on.
    Semper Fi,
    Cousin John

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  6. Rebecca Avatar

    Offering prayers for you and Ben and all of your family, KC.

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  7. cheryl Avatar

    From one military wife to another,I will be praying for your family and the safe return of your dear husband!
    God bless,
    Cheryl

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  8. Michelle Reitemeyer Avatar

    Before my husband left, I bought a black suit. Only other military wives understand why/how we embrace the morbidity.
    Try not to bicker, though. Happy times, happy memories…

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