Tuesday, November 20, 2012

TDT #14 - Holidays

One of the ways I have always done my countdowns when my  husband is away is by counting trash days.  Most of the time it isn't as daunting a number as the estimated number of days he'll be gone.  And it helps me remember to put the trash out, or rather encourage my boys to put the trash out since it's their job.  So this will be my new weekly post, and I'll just really post whatever, no real set theme.  Please feel free to join me on this adventure of counting down the time until your loved one comes home!
We are approaching our first major holiday since Kevin left to Korea.  And I'm not going to lie...it sucks.  If it weren't for wonderful friends, I would probably order my kids pizza and watch movies all day.  Okay, that's not true...I'd at least take them to the dining facility and then come home and watch movies all day!  Seriously, the Army Dining  Facility is one of the best places to go and eat...I promise...try it out sometime!

When I think back, Kevin and I have spent more Thanksgivings apart than together.  It's crappy.  This time is so different though.  At least the times he's been deployed or off doing training, he had a hundred of his closest buddies to eat and enjoy the day with.  In Korea, he is all alone.  When I asked him what he was going to do for Thanksgiving, he said he might make some turkey soup.  My heart immediately broke.  I can't let myself think too much about him being alone because it makes me cry...a lot.

We knew this separation was going to be challenging, but I didn't anticipate all the emotions that I would get caught up in.  I have received such amazing support here and at times I feel so guilty that Kevin is off alone in another country.  He will still get a Thanksgiving meal, he is going to the CG's Mess and having dinner there for the wonderful price of $5!  So he will get to eat some of the traditional grub.

Let me stop right here and mention that there is a wonderful family in Korea that has taken Kevin in and fed him many meals.  We knew them when they were stationed here in Missouri.  I don't want to take anything away from their generosity.  Kevin feels blessed to have them in Korea and that he gets to spend time with them as much as he does.

I know that the actual day will be a challenge for me and I am going to try hard to keep my emotions in check.  Kevin constantly reminds me that these times apart are but a short time in eternity and I just need to remember that.

1 comment:

Jen said...

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, hugs!