way back when we were 22, this lovely lady & i developed an extra special bond that was borne from dating the top two men in the marquette ROTC class of 2007 (just going to go ahead & brag a little bit). the ROTC world, and the military world in general, was something completely new to me, and, honestly, one that i had pretty ignorantly dismissed. this girl came from a similar place and i think we were both shocked to find ourselves having to learn the foreign protocols and lingo of the army universe. (i mean, she was a co-founder of a feminist group on campus! and i had protested at a military base! an unlikely pair of ladies dating military men, for sure.)
{the young cadets}
our friendship grew as the relationships we formed with these fine men endured the post-college transition and, even more trying, the transition into formal army life. we have supported each other through 4 deployments now (2 for each couple) and that bond has deepened in the way that only military friendships can. a shared understanding and experience. whenever she has expressed frustration or anxiety or sadness or worries, i know exactly how those emotions feel...exactly how heavy they can weigh on the heart & mind.
i am SO so happy and relieved and excited that her husband, captain craig, returned home last night!! he's been serving as a pilot in afghanistan since last december. i love knowing that today he can wrap his arms around his wife whenever he wants to...that they no longer have to count the days and hold bated breath while hoping that nothing scary and unfathomable may interrupt a someday, far-off happy reunion.
when reading the email she sent me a couple of days ago--when she said "I feel reserved, happy but in total denial that Craig will be walking around with me TOMORROW NIGHT. Crazy!! I heard from him a few hours ago that he's on a plane from Germany and then tomorrow from there to Savannah."--a completely familiar feeling settled over me. as she said, while it feels completely surreal, it is one of the absolute best feelings in the world. that phone call or notification that the final flight from germany (or ireland or wherever!) is actually happening is the call you wait for for months on end.
"This time tomorrow I'll be heading to the hangar!" she said...and those hangar reunions cannot be beat. the anticipation as the plane touches down will always be counted among the best moments of our lives...just as good as an engagement or wedding day...maybe even better.
can you even handle this photo? and how darling is that red, white, and blue outfit? too beautiful all around!
{april 2007}
{the young cadets}
our friendship grew as the relationships we formed with these fine men endured the post-college transition and, even more trying, the transition into formal army life. we have supported each other through 4 deployments now (2 for each couple) and that bond has deepened in the way that only military friendships can. a shared understanding and experience. whenever she has expressed frustration or anxiety or sadness or worries, i know exactly how those emotions feel...exactly how heavy they can weigh on the heart & mind.
i am SO so happy and relieved and excited that her husband, captain craig, returned home last night!! he's been serving as a pilot in afghanistan since last december. i love knowing that today he can wrap his arms around his wife whenever he wants to...that they no longer have to count the days and hold bated breath while hoping that nothing scary and unfathomable may interrupt a someday, far-off happy reunion.
when reading the email she sent me a couple of days ago--when she said "I feel reserved, happy but in total denial that Craig will be walking around with me TOMORROW NIGHT. Crazy!! I heard from him a few hours ago that he's on a plane from Germany and then tomorrow from there to Savannah."--a completely familiar feeling settled over me. as she said, while it feels completely surreal, it is one of the absolute best feelings in the world. that phone call or notification that the final flight from germany (or ireland or wherever!) is actually happening is the call you wait for for months on end.
"This time tomorrow I'll be heading to the hangar!" she said...and those hangar reunions cannot be beat. the anticipation as the plane touches down will always be counted among the best moments of our lives...just as good as an engagement or wedding day...maybe even better.
can you even handle this photo? and how darling is that red, white, and blue outfit? too beautiful all around!
craig, we are so thankful you're safely home!!! thank you for your service and sacrifice over the past year.
josette, you have been the most gracious, loving, and supportive companion.
you are a crazy strong woman and i'm so proud of you.
we love you both & are beyond excited that you can now soak up savannah and be together!
cheers to a fabulous couple!
1 comment:
I thought all my tears from this welcome home were over, and then I read this beautiful post!
Beth, thank you! Thank you to you and Andy for your unconditional support, understanding, love and perspective (uh, "command" debacle, anyone?!). There is no way any spouse could handle these challenges without the amazing bond of friendship.
So lucky to have you both in our lives! Cannot wait to see ya'll again!
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