Friday, February 26, 2010

Some News

"Hey, Katie, are you in there?" The receptionist's voice came through on my office phone.
I didn't think much of it. One of the main components of my job is to answer legal inquiries from our members.
"Yeah, I'm here. What's up?"
"It's Brian."
"Ohh, okay, put him through, thanks". He must be calling to see how the work shower went, I thought, smiling to myself.
"Hey honey, how's it going?!". My standard greeting for him.
"It's going, how was the shower?"
I chatted on excitedly about how great it was, how fantastic my co-workers are.
"I even got a red velvet cake in the shape of an engagement ring!!". Red velvet is my favorite cake.
"So", he says, "are you ready for this one?" He sounded anxious. My heart dropped. I sat back in my chair, gripping my desk. I knew. We've been waiting to hear.
"Yeah", I said nervously, "what's up?"
"I got my orders. I leave in April. 365 days. Afghanistan".

Approximately 30 days after becoming husband and wife, my new husband will be traveling halfway across the world, to a hostile country, for over a year. Thousands of brave soldiers do this each year, and we go about our daily lives, appreciating it but not necessarily feeling the impact. Until it hits home. And it sits pretty heavy.

18 comments:

  1. Oh Katie,
    I am so sorry that he is leaving so soon after you get married. I don't know what to say....I am sad for you. The good news is that there is the telephone and the internet so you will be able to stay in contact:) You are a strong person and you will make it!! If you were here I would give you a big hug:) I am thinking of you!!

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  2. WOW that is huge news! I am sorry. A fellow blogger I know is also a military wife. Her name is Tyler. She might be able to give you advice or someone to talk to who really understands.

    http://tlsoendker.blogspot.com/

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  3. Wow, that sent shivers down my spine, a tear to my eye, and I can only imagine in my wildest dreams how you must be feeling. When I wrap my head around it I hope that there is some way, some how I might find words to help you through. If that is possible? For now know my heart and thoughts are most definitely with you, and I am sending my love.

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  4. Oh, Katie...you and your fiance are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

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  5. I'm sorry :( that is disappointing.

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  6. Oh, Katie, I am so sorry. I can't even imagine how you must be feeling.

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  7. Wow. I'm so sorry that he's leaving so soon, and for so long. My cousin is back from Iraq, so I have a special place in my heart for our military and all they do for our country. You're in my prayers.....

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  8. Katie, I'm very sorry about the news :( I'm so thankful for everyone who serves our country and you'll be in my thoughts <3

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  9. OH NO. So sorry to hear this! Have you guys been through a deployment before? If you haven't, I promise, you can handle it. I'm not saying its easy though. Two years ago, Stephen was deployed to Afghanistan for one year. And we made it through.

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  10. Oh Katie, I am so sorry to hear that. I'm afraid that I don't have anything helpful to say, but I'll be thinking of you.

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  11. :-( I can't imagine what that must feel like, but we're here for you! I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

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  12. oh boy. I know what you feel like. And it sucks. (((hugs))) How are you? Have you guys done a deployment before? If not, it's ok. You'll be just fine. It's not easy and it's not fun, but it's definitely do-able. My fiance and I went through our first deployment just four months after we met (in all fairness, it was a 6month one...not a year though).

    It's hard and it sucks, but you'll be ok. Major hugs and prayers.

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  13. My Dearest Princess, My heart aches for you and Brian. So sad sweetie. It won't be easy but you have your family and blogger friends to keep your spirits up. I LOVE you and Brian and my prayers are with you. Lots of Love
    Mom

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  14. Katie, I am seriously bawling right now after reading this. I can't even imagine how you feel. *Big huge hug* Hang in there my friend and please let us all know how we can help you. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to you.

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  15. Oh gosh - I'm so sorry - that is some really tough news. I'm praying for your sake (and his) that his time over there flies by and he's back home quickly. Stay strong and try to enjoy your time together (and your wedding) before he leaves. :-(

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  16. I'll be thinking of you. I am sure you will make the best of your time together and then apart and be a stronger couple in the end.

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  17. Oh Katie. I got major goosebumps. I have no advice for you but want you to know I'm thinking about you. You're a strong girl and want you to know there's lots of support for you here. Enjoy all the happy moments and let's have a countdown till he comes home so you can enjoy married life together! Take care girl.

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  18. Oh, Katie...I'm so sorry! how long will it be for?
    My parents were separated right after their marriage, too, because of the mother-in-law's illness, and the daughter-in-law is supposed to take care of the husband's mother...and my father had to go overseas to get his master's degree...it's not as hard as your situation, but just wanted you to know that my mom's character was greatly strengthened after that...and my parents are still very happily married.

    You must be feeling really crushed right now, but please be at peace...I'm sure your love will survive this, and only be molded into something stronger and more beautiful with lots of great stories!

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