As the days go by here in Hawaii, I come to the realization that the end of March is coming closer and closer. It's the time of next year that I am dreading more than you can imagine. It's the time for my husband to get deployed for one year.
My heart aches every day we get closer to that time. I feel a sense of of sadness and loneliness that is slowly creeping towards me as he begins to leave. I know it is still months away but how can I prepare my heart for the man I love to leave me and fight for his country for a year? I think any woman that is as much in love with a man, as I am with Philip, would dread the day of his deployment.
I know that this is something that I signed up for by marrying somebody that was already enlisted in the Army. It's expected that they will get deployed at some point or another. Every wife knows it's coming, but it doesn't make it any easier. It doesn't make it any easier knowing that he will be missing our one year anniversary, Christmas, 21st birthdays, and many other wonderful days ahead.
I have already began praying for that time ahead. It might be months away, but trust me I am literally going to need every single prayer and so will my husband. I am going to need God more than any other time in my life because I hate being alone. I hate the feeling of being alone and feeling like nobody else is around or close. I hate the feeling of knowing my husband is putting his life at risk for a country that needs to support our troops more. But my wonderful husband has the courage and honor to still protect something he believes in- which still takes my breathe away about him.
I think the hardest part for me is that I am so independent. All I know in my life, growing up, is that you have to be independent. I am slowly starting to learn that sometimes or more most of the times, my independence is something I use to protect myself. I know I use it as a way to not get hurt by others and so I don't depend on anyone that will hurt me. It's extremely difficult for me to be dependent on somebody. It's a daily challenge of putting my walls down around my husband and not acting over independent. Because the truth is, I am dependent on him. I love my husband more that I ever thought I could anybody. He is the most wonderful solider and man.
But soon he is leaving for a year and soon I will have to face the fact that I am alone in this home again. And soon I am going to have to have find strength for him. He is going to need me during this deployment and we are both going to be leaning on our faith to carry us.
"He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40