Friday was Tiger Day at Camp Shelby. We headed there with some friends bright and early waiting for the festivities to begin. There was a ceremony held and then they did the Pass and Review as the soldiers from each battalion marched across the parade field while we all stood watching with pride. They were then released to have lunch and spend the day with us. We had lunch and I got a small tour of where Steven has been the last 2 months. Needless to say, it was unimpressive ;)
Friday afternoon he got to leave with us for his 4 day pass. We spent the weekend in New Orleans. My step mom got us a beautiful suite at the Sheraton that overlooked the city and the river. We had fun going to the park and feeding the ducks and spending the day at the Zoo. Steven and I also got to spend some alone time which was so wonderful. Sunday we came back to Lafayette to spend time with our family.
Monday was hectic with family pictures, lunch, packing, playing with the kids, and the inevitable...tons of tears. Tuesday the tears continued as we brought Steven back to the unit to once again load the bus back to Camp Shelby. My in-laws came in and that was such a blessing because I couldn't have imagined doing that alone with Reed and Lilly.
Yesterday was so unbelievably hard. Reed was very upset when Steven loaded the bus and he continued asking for him last night. And, every time he cried for him so did I. As much as I know I need to be strong, it is so hard to see your baby's heart sad. We are resilient and we will be OK but this year will not go without many, many tears shed. For all the happy times we will have this year there will always be that special person missing from it and that just makes me sad.
Steven is back at Camp Shelby but will be getting on a plane soon to head across the ocean. We won't be in each others arms for about 6 months (until he gets his 2 week R&R). I will wake up and fall asleep alone...for 6 months. The thought is unbearable at times. Just saying the words "my husband is going to war" is so surreal that I can't even put into words. We need him in our lives...we need to grow old together...Reed and Lilly need their daddy...and as much as I truly believe he will be fine, the fear still comes over me.
So, for now I will continue to get up in the mornings, bring the kids to school, and go to work when all I really want to do is cry in my bed all day long. The tears will reduce eventually and we will carry on but we will carry on with extremely heavy hearts. Remember to keep Steven and all the soldiers of the 256th in your prayers...may they ALL come home safe and sound to their loving families.
I'll post pics of the weekend soon...that just takes too much out of me right now.
For Steven, Reed, Lilly, myself, and Steven's parents....I found this and thought it was special. Don't know who wrote it =(
"I've Got Your Back!"
I am a small and precious child, my dads been sent to fight...
The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud.
My daddy's got your back.
I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war...
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Every day I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud.
My son has got your back.
I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband who had to go.
There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack...
My heart may break, but I am proud.
My husband's got your back...
I am a soldier... Serving Proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I'll come home. It's me who's got your back.
--Unknown
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