Life Without Daddy: Week 1

Well it has been one week since Roman left for bootcamp. 

After a week of goodbye parties we said our final farewells from Glacier Airport. 

This past week the kids have repeatedly asked me when we can go get Daddy. I tell them that he is at far away army work, but of course the concept of distance is hard to grasp as a toddler. 

We are slowly settling into this new normal, which includes ice pops in the sun and baths. There was an incident involving purple nail polish dumped into the bath. 

There is still a stain in the bottom of the tub. Most exciting this week was the airshow, with an appearance by the Thunderbirds. We live close enough to the airport we saw several rehearsals. On Sunday we went with Aunt Laurel to get up close and personal with some planes, including a big military plane. 

That about sums up the end of summer and our first week of Daddy being gone. 

As for Roman, he is adjusting to life on base. He has had some issues with the water, being accustomed to clear, mountain water. He has a hearing test this week, so pray all goes well for him. He has found some fellow Christians and is making friends well. He should have a mailing address soon. Whoever wants the address let me know. 

Anticipation

 

Anticipation is a odd feeling. It contains a spectrum of emotions ranging from dread to excitement.
Right now I am experiencing both ends of that spectrum.

Next week Roman leaves to begin training with the National Guard. It will be over two months before we see him again, provided I can save up the necessary travel funds to transport myself and three children across the country. If I can't we won't see him until Christmas. And he won't be home for good until February.

Roman has wanted join the military ever since 9/11. The weight of conviction he has for this pursuit is astounding. Joining the heritage of thousands before him, answering the call of duty and honor. I know that he will succeed in everything he puts his hand too, because he has a strong passion, a noble character, and a great faith in a Sovereign God. 

My own faith feels weak right now. As I stare down the blank weeks on my calendar and ache at the thought of not being able to speak to him every day. We have had a fair amount of separation for work in the past, but this will be longer and with less chances to hear his voice. I have three young children, two of whom will ask daily, "Where is Daddy?" and "Why can't we go get him from work?" Too young to understand the concept of time, but old enough to notice that things will be different. And we will pray every night for Daddy at 'armies work' (to quote Ethan).

In addition to Roman being gone for training, events in the world remind me of the probability of his being deployed to dangerous places. The Cold War with Russia seems to have come out of deep freeze, while ISIS proves to the world that Islam is far from a religion of peace. The USA is hardly peaceful territory with the media frenzy surrounding Ferguson.

While I could spout my many opinions on all of the above (and as a history buff they are quite thorough), mostly they remind me that my husband is needed. There will always be manipulative, aggressive, and tyrannical leaders who need to be stood against. There must always be faithful men and women ready uphold truth, justice, and mercy.

What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

I believe that Roman will come home, and I think that our marriage will be stronger for this time apart. I am excited to see how he will change and grow. I do dread the coming weeks of solo parenting, but I am so proud of what Roman is accomplishing that I can say to my children, "Your daddy is awesome!" without bitterness.

Plus, I will be able to write amazing love letters!




Long distance relationship advice from WW2 letters.

A Gift

The comparison of children to precious gems is an old one. So what more fitting way to honor a mother than by adorning her neck, which has often been encircled by her children's arms, with sparkling symbols of their life. The life she carried, birthed, and nurtured shall receive this glorious decoration that only a heavenly crown can exceed.

The Human Seasons

Four Seasons fill the measure of the year;
 There are four seasons in the mind of man:
He has his lusty Spring, when fancy clear
 Takes in all beauty with an easy span:
He has his Summer, when luxuriously
 Spring's honey'd cud of youthful thought he loves
To ruminate, and by such dreaming high
  Is nearest unto Heaven: quiet coves
His soul has in it's Autumn, when his wings
  He furleth close; contented so to look
On mists in idleness - to let fair things
  Pass by unheeded as a threshold brook.
He has his Winter too of pale misfortune,
Or else he would forego his mortal nature.

~John Keats