It's not Iraq or Afghanistan but hearing that our Soldier would be leaving us for a year was still pretty devastating news. We found out unofficially on Friday, minutes before my husband was headed out to a camp out with the boys that he "might" be on orders for Korea. Having to dwell on that news over the weekend was somewhat disturbing but we know this is the Army and you just go with the flow. Going in to work today, Kevin had it confirmed that he was indeed on orders and would need to report in just a few short months. Lots of thoughts initially swirled through our minds as we considered what our options were. We could decline and be at the mercy of the Army and get sent somewhere else and deploy. We could decline and drop retirement paperwork and be out in six months or so. We could apply for command sponsorship and go with him for two years. None of those options appealed to us.
We have decided that Kevin will go to Korea for 12 months and the boys and I will stay here. We don't like having our family apart but we have to think about what's best for the family. Michael and Neil are both doing well in school and with their extra curricular activities that they plan on carrying through to college. We just can't see tearing them away from those opportunities. Having Kevin go to Korea for 12 months allows him to come right back here to FLW and allows stabilization for the boys to finish high school.
We sat the boys down and talked to them about this next chapter of our lives. I would be lying if I didn't admit my heart broke a bit watching my boys reactions. They love their daddy so much and hate when he's not home. The kids were emotional and I hate seeing tears in their eyes.
We will be okay, the Lord will provide. When Kevin was in Iraq and the time came to decide whether to try and leave Fort Hood or not, we prayed and fasted that we could have two years as a family. By the time Kevin boards a plane to Korea, we will have been blessed with three. We are so grateful for the past few years we have had as a family. We have faith in our Heavenly Father and His plan for us. We know that He will use Kevin as an instrument to serve others in Korea and the boys and I will continue to serve in our community here. Normally on a tour like this, the Soldier can come home for a mid-tour leave. We have decided that we will try and go to Korea to visit Kevin and to show Neil where he was born. The boys are excited about that.
No matter what, together or apart, The Albrecht Squad will continue to thrive and only get stronger.
4 comments:
I'm sorry for the hard news! I know the year apart will be tough! Will you get to visit or have R&R at all during the year?
*hugs* I'm sorry :( I am usually one to stay family should stay together but I think if we were in your shoes we would do the same thing.
((hugs)) We'd probably do the same thing here, too.
I'm sorry he's leaving! You guys are an amazing couple and are making the right decision for your family. You are such an example to me of all around awesomeness. So glad I've gotten to know you through camp. Praying that a year will fly by for you guys!
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