Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Talk

So. Today I finally talked to the boys about the fact that Steve will be deploying at the end of the summer. It has been harder and harder to shield them from other people's questions about the deployment, and the opportunity presented itself, so I just went with it. Our concern hasn't been that we don't want people to talk about it around them; it is more that it seems the general public seems to approach the topic with such gloom and doom - - little guys pick up on this, and that isn't what we want to convey to them. The conversation was very brief and very simple, but it was a start. I'm pretty sure that Griffin didn't really grasp what I was saying, but that was kind of what I was expecting. Camden was very matter-of-fact about it, but did have quite a few questions, such as, "how long is a year?" and "will Daddy get to come home for dinner at night?" (can you hear the sound of my heart breaking for these little guys?) Our conversation then kind of transitioned into discussing what we can do while Daddy is gone, like send him packages, write him letters, etc. I have been dreading this day since we found out Steve would be deploying again, but now that the first step has been made, I feel a huge sense of relief.

4 comments:

  1. This evening has been a bit more difficult...Camden has been crying off and on, saying that he doesn't want Steve to go anywhere. We've had a couple more talks but he's just very weepy about it all. Steve left for some training this morning and wasn't supposed to be home for a couple of weeks, but was actually able to come home tonight, so right now he's snuggled up on the sofa with the boys, reading to them.

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  2. I pray for your husband's safety during deployment. It must be really hard.

    My husband just joined the army, and I am not even sure of what is ahead. He is currently away for Basic and Officer Training...I already miss him terribly.

    Now following your blog....you can also follow mine at
    www.musingsofanarmywife.blogspot.com

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  3. Heather my heart breaks with this post. Not being a military wife I have blinders on to so much of this. Thank you for sharing your story. I am touched that you both have chosen to look at the "positives" for your boys and not just dwell on the negatives...a unique approach I would never think of but meshes so well with supporting our troops no matter what.

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  4. Thanks, Jenn. I think a positive outlook is important in any situation, isn't it? This past week has been a little rough for Camden - - he is really struggling at this point in time as the deployment is coming right up. All we can really do is listen to him and comfort him, and remind ourselves that it WILL get better.

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