Roman's Address

I have finally received a mailing address for Roman! A friend of his from boot camp sent me the following note:

Hi.

I'm a friend of your husband, Roman Mallery. He asked me to pass on this message to you:

He's doing well in BCT at Fort Jackson. He's met a lot new and different people, likes most of the platoon as it's made up by a lot of good people, and has a really good battle buddy to watch his back.

Additionally, he likes his drill sergeants (DS) despite how tough they are. The DSs like him enough that they've put him in charge of the barracks, and have made him "Bay Boss." He is constantly caring for the platoon, helps others, and serves his faith when the moments present themselves.

He misses home, often thinks of you and the children, and asks everyone to please keep him in your prayers. Since his arrival to BCT, he has been to church services the two times it was available.

Please share with everyone his mailing address:

PVT Mallery, Roman
F CO 2/60th INF REG
BLDG 11000
4th Platoon
Fort Jackson, SC 29207

He is looking forward to receiving a lot mail from family.

Also, please share with everyone his projected graduation date: 13 NOV 2014.

In my personal estimation, your husband is a solid recruit, is doing well, and possesses eagerness and the correct attitude. He is a good man, an man of apparent faith, and a compassionate leader.

Seeing this in my inbox sent my heart racing with relief. It has been several days since I last had any contact with him. Oh, the delight a simple note can give a weary soul! And to hear how Roman is praised. It will give me a boost to face the coming days. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and expressed their concern and love. Such words mean a great deal to me.

How This Day is Still Impacting Our Lives

The other day I was talking about the events of 9/11 with my mother-in-law.

As the conversation progressed I realized the great significance those horrible events have had on my life. 

I was 12, living in California and shortly there after our family moved to Montana. The move had already been in progress, but was expedited by the terrorist attacks. I remember desperately wanting to find some way to help.

Roman was 17, a young volunteer firefighter living in Montana. His dream of being a soldier changed that day from boyish fancy to manly purpose. He would have gone to New York in a heartbeat if he was just a little bit older.

On this, the 13 year anniversary of the attacks, we are 25 and 30 years old. For years Roman has participated in memorials for the 343 firefighters who died that day, as well as the many others. This year he has become a soldier. 

I am so proud to be the wife of this man. He is not a firefighter because it is cool (though he certainly enjoys those moments).  Nor is he a soldier because he wants recognition.  

Roman possesses a deep conviction that he is called to help others. Where there is chaos and disaster he knows that is where he needs to be. The calling of God for him is compassion for the weak, and the defense of the the oppressed.

This calling is why I sit on my lonely bed, missing him terribly in the cold nights. This calling is what I tell my three little ones about when they ask why Daddy is gone. This calling is why it has rarely bothered me to watch him answer that beeping pager. I have seen the visible truth that those who serve others, receive much from that service.

The words of Christ ring in my heart,

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

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.