Redeployment Worries
By Katie • Sep 1st, 2009 • Category: Passing the Time, Post-Deployment, RelationshipsHere’s a post from an Army wife that is nervous about redeployment – I’ve certainly been there!
You can read her blog here.
We got our first “re-deployment” email today. And, I have to tell you, it’s kind of crazy.
Don’t get me wrong, I am totally 100% excited that my husband will finally be coming home in just a few short months. And getting the emails with the timeline just make it all that more real. But I think that’s the crazy part. It’s REALLY happening soon.
And part of me, well, is kind of scared about that.
We all say that things aren’t going to change. That during deployments, we’re going to keep on truckin’ like our lives around being slammed around by a giant semi. And we all know how hard and frustrating it is to actually keep that promise to ourselves and our spouses. As I’ve mentioned before, there comes a time where you sort of just accept the change that comes, and you go with a new flow.
And now, that new flow that I’ve developed is getting ready to change again. Is it wrong for me to be nervous and somewhat scared about it? Because I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was. I feel like things are better this time. That WE are better this time. But him coming home — however much I want it to happen (and I do, I promise I promise I promise I do) — it’s still a major change. Again. Something new to once again try to get used to, whether it’s little things like somebody suddenly hogging all the bed space and covers (*ahem*) or major changes, like having to re-learn your relationship all over again. But whatever it is, it’s not the same as what I (or you) have been living with for the past year, and it’s definitely not going to be the same as it was last time he came home, nor is it going to be the same as that entire year he was home in between deployments. Get where I’m going with this?
Basically what I’m saying is that I don’t think there is such a thing as an easy transition post deployment. If somebody out there has had a piece of cake homecoming, please, share with the group.
But I don’t think, whatever I do, that I will be prepared for it — good or bad. And that can be very, very nerve-wracking.
Katie is of the opinion that re-deployment is harder than deployment itself. The year Paul and I spent apart was tough, but nothing could have prepared me for trying to come back together again. Homecoming was full of challenges I never expected - no matter how many books I read!
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Katie:
Thank you for the repost. And you’re right — Homecoming is full of so many challenges! We all expect that when they come home, that things will be great. I mean, what could be better than coming back together after spending a year apart?? But it’s yet another disruption (even if it’s a good one) into the routines that we’ve learned to cope with. It’s difficult, and nervewracking. But worth the effort when done right.
Again, thanks for reposting this. I think it’s good for other military spouses out there to realize that they are not alone, and that what we all go through is “normal” — however hard and crappy it may be at times!!