Not a December Homecoming
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I recently had a conversation with someone at my church about my husband’s deployment. Here is how it went…
Her: How are you doing?
Me: I’m ok.
Her: Well he comes home soon right?
Me: No, he just left a month ago.
Her: Well he’ll be home by Christmas right?
Me: No, you must be thinking of someone else.
Her: When does he get home then?
Me: (I can’t say when on here, but I told her what month)
Her: WHAT?? I thought Obama said all the troops would be home by Christmas!!
Me: (In shock) No, that is just for those in Iraq. There are tons of other troops in Afghanistan and all over the world.
Now, for those that may read this and go to my church, please understand that I am not upset or offended at this person in any way. I am just using this conversation as an example for this post.
I have also had several other people ask me recently when or if my husband is coming home soon. I have a feeling they are getting confused with the recent homecomings of those who were in Iraq. It has been on the news, in the media, and online. While so many of us military wives are extremely happy that those families are getting their soldiers home again, we all know this does not mean they won’t deploy again.
Our military deploy to many different areas, Iraq was just one of them. We thank God that things in Iraq are coming to a close, but we hope that you join us in prayer for those who are still deployed all over the world, who will still miss Christmas and the holidays with their families, and for those who continue to deploy in the coming years.
Please keep this in mind when speaking to military wives and families. Not all of us will be getting our loved ones home this Christmas. And for those who are, we rejoice with you, because I am sure there is nothing like it in the world.
You already know, but I’m praying for you! and I know a lot of other people are too.
I know Christmas, and so many other days won’t be the same this year, but praying God gives you strength and peace to face whatever comes your way. and that Yours and Jon’s love only grows stronger!
<3
paula
Thank you so much Paula, your comment and encouragement mean ALOT to me. 🙂 I still haven;t forgotten about that guest post I promised you! I will try to get it done soon!
Your post brought tears to my eyes, because, like you, I have had a conversation just like that. Since we have been married, my husband has missed every other Christmas and it is so hard. Praying for you!
Wow.. i didn’t realize so many people didn’t understand. I’m sorry about your husband missing so much. stay strong girl, you can do this!
I’m still praying for your family, as well as the families of all our military personnel. Thank you for your sacrifices!
Beth
Thank you so much Beth. Your words mean so much!
As soon as that was announced, I was worried people would take it that way. 🙁
Yeah… me too. Sigh. Oh well people will eventually get it.
My husband is not currently deployed, but I couldn’t agree more with this post. People think he won’t be deploying again, but little do they know that his next deployment plans are already in the making.
Yup, that’s how it is. I already know the possibilities of when my husband could have to go again too. Some people just don’t get it.
Thinking of you, Kathryn, and praying for strength. My husband was gone for the holidays last year and I remember, a little too clearly, what it was like talking to other people. They thought he would actually be home for Christmas, which made things even more miserable.
Thanks Jessica, I really appreciate it! I wish people were more informed about these things before they made comments or assumed. 🙁 Thanks for commenting!
Those conversations used to make me SO mad. I wanted to scream and shout but soon I realized that no one would really understand unless they had a direct connection, and even then if that military person wasn’t in their household sometimes they still didn’t understand. I’m praying for you and we will have a place set at our table for all of those deployed or MIA this Christmas time.
Yeah I understand that, but I guess I wish people were more informed or paid more attention. It’s pretty simple if you think about it. Thank you so much for your sweet comment, and I love that idea about setting a place out. What a wonderful way to remember.