With My Favoritest
The countdown to Philip's homecoming has begun. We left the house at 3 am this morning and dropped him off at the airport in Denver. He called not too long ago from training to report that he is definitely in Army facilities (zero privacy, he's sharing a room with 20 other guys). Thus begins a very challenging, stretching year for us both.
Philip's dad is being a real trooper and shaving his head the whole time Philip is serving in the desert. He wants to wake up each morning, look in the mirror and pray for Philip as he protects and defends on the other side of the world. I've got a pretty cool father-in-law.
We had one final date last night. We went into Breckenridge and had a Starbucks date. I was struck by what Philip said as he shared that he is gaining a new appreciation of what the price of freedom is. He looked around at the room full of people laughing and drinking their lattes surrounded by friends and family and remarked that he is very happy to get to defend this safe, free world that people get to live in but he can't help but being a little envious of how carefree most people can be as they exist inside the safe bubble.
Usually we say that the first night is the hardest. I think that this time the last night was. It was absolutely horrendous laying next to him crying as I was fighting the thought that is always there that a wife isn't supposed to (but can't help to) think or talk about when her husband enters a combat situation: Please God don't let this be the last time. There is nothing worse. (Philip please don't hate me for writing that. I'm putting it out of my mind as promised, but just being real and transparent with people about what this experience is like: scary and not fun.)
I've slept most of today as I've been pretty emotionally exhausted. We're both very ready to be "in the groove" and settled into the routine of separation that will fill most of the space of 2010 for us. As I watched him walk away this morning my prayer was, "Lord, I commit him into your hands." There is nothing else I can do.
Here we go. . . In Christ Alone.
4 comments:
Good luck Joy! I know the feeling - it's an awful one. But, yes, a routine eventually comes along and makes it a tad easier - or at least more doable. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. What exactly will he be doing over there??
Thinking of you two always.
Much love from Colorado, Joy... and looking forward to seeing you soon!
Praying for you and Philip daily. Think of you often although I have not been able to meet you, Joy. I met the Lere's in SA. I met Philp when he was a few hours old and it has been a blessing to know him and his family through the years.
I am so proud of you Joy! I'm praying and am grateful that Philip is in God's arms as he marches on to protect us, even if it is with the Army! :) I love you and am praying. Call me anytime! You know I'm here! And hopefully sometime this spring I can be there! :)
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