I've always thought it interesting that one time span can simultaneously go by super fast and excruciatingly slow. Today, five years ago, I married my Hubs. It was a crazy week that included "yes, you're getting married", "no, you're not getting married", "you're deploying on Friday. No, Tuesday. No, Thursday. No, Friday. Friday. Promise." And then it ended up being Saturday. Anyone you know get married on a Thursday? Now you do. Me.
You see, Hubs and I decided to tie the knot pre-deployment rather than post because Violet was going to be staying with me. By myself. With a just-turned-six year old. Not only was my love headed to a war zone, I had to figure out how to be a single parent, and figure it out now. She had been staying with us a whole three weeks at this point. We were in a routine. We meaning the three of us. Now shit was going to change. Single parent. Single disciplinarian. Feeling like I didn't know my ass from my elbow. And I didn't. But we made it up as we went along, waiting not-so-patiently for calls from Daddy. Those calls and webcam chats were so special - she got time with her dad, and I got some reassurance that he was okay and that he thought I wasn't screwing up his kid.
The last five years have been full of laughter and tears and worries and heartache, moving and meeting people and saying goodbye, finding where the commissary and PX and Walmart and Target and Starbucks are, looking for jobs, having a baby, being a stay-at-home mom, volunteering, being homesick, enjoying new adventures, finding myself and losing myself and finding myself again, being insanely proud of my Soldier and becoming even more of a patriot. There have been times I've questioned choosing this life, but no matter how hard and stressful and less-than-perfect it may be, I know in my heart I am where I am supposed to be.
I love you, Hubs. It's been a crazy ride. I can't wait to see what is around the next corner for us.
Happy Anniversary! My husband and I decided on a Tuesday, to get married that Friday, so we'd be married before he went off to boot camp. We celebrate 19 years later this month. This lifestyle is hard, stressful and makes you question your sanity on a daily basis, but it's also very rewarding. I wouldn't trade it either.
ReplyDeleteAww, so sweet. So glad you guys made it work. Sounds like you are on a wild and fun ride. Here's to many more loving and safe years for the 2 of you. Mazel Tov!!
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