So two months ago, my brother said he wanted us to meet up for a BBQ as he had some news to tell us. I was hoping it would be the good news that Baby #2 was on the way for them, too. But that wasn't it. It was horrible news for me to handle. In January, my brother is being sent to our West Coast until April when he will be deployed to Iraq. Iraq...the words keep swirling in my head. And then I hear him say...for 12-16 months! WHAT! I feel like I just got him back. (Though, it's been 8 years.) He's been stationed in Korea and Hawaii, prior.
He tried to make me feel better by telling me the area he was going to was "safe." But to me, Iraq is Iraq. There's a war going on over there. And I can't give him a call and say, Wanna meet up this weekend?
The worst part for me to handle (yes, I'll miss my brother!!) is that he has to leave his beautiful little girl behind. (pictured above) She'll just turn one next month and he's going to miss out on so much of her life. It absolutely breaks my heart. I haven't been away from Nathan overnight let alone for 12-16M. I am so very thankful that he'll be here long enough to meet my new baby. I would be devastated if he missed out on that!
All the same, this is his life. It's what he has to do. To my brother, I say these words. I will miss you terribly. But I am so very proud of you for defending our country for the last 15 years of your life. And you best be coming home to us safe because I'm not done being your "annoying little sister" just yet!
God Bless Our Troops! And to all of you, when I pray for my brother's safety, I will pray for your loved ones in Iraq, as well!
With a sigh of relief most military wives would say "How lucky he is going to Iraq and not to Afghanistan." If I had to choose Iraq would be my choice. He will be safer there. How great it is that he gets to spend Christmas with his family before he leaves. How proud his daughter will be of her daddy when she is older. Time will pass so quickly and he'll be back home safe before you know it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dani for the words of encouragement! He said the same thing to me, too...that if he had to do a tour, he was glad it was Iraq and not Afghanistan! What a blessing for us, in that sense! And like you said, we are so very glad that he's going to be here for Christmas before he leaves. It will probably be the last time I see him for awhile. You can definitely bet that Christmas is all about family this year!! :) (as it should be EVERY year!)
ReplyDelete~Jaycie