Letters From Tim

I should have figured saying goodbye a second time might be a little tougher…but perhaps I didn’t give myself a chance to think that far ahead.

After Tim said his goodbyes to his father, sister, and our children, I clung to him just before he passed through security at the Indianapolis Airport today. I couldn’t help but feel the time zones and distance will grow much wider between us now. The existence of danger will be constant. And, the length of time away will extend far beyond the New Year.

I also got to thinking that Tim got the last meaningful hugs he will get for at least six months. I’ll get them everyday but deployed soldiers go without effective human touch for a long time. Kind of like orphaned children. I thought about suggesting to Tim that he should institute some kind of ‘hug line’ or ‘hug machine’ or ‘weekly hug buddy’ amongst the unit but didn’t think it would go over so well. But really…who doesn’t need a good hug now and then?

Briggs described it best as we drove away. He told me that he had an ‘empty space’ and couldn’t figure out where it was. I asked him if he felt like it was in his heart. And he thought it probably was. I told him that every one of us (even the babies) had an empty space without Daddy. Ten minutes later though, he thought the empty space might be the frustration he had not being able to get to the next level on his video game. Go figure!

And for all those who may think this is some idealistic marriage, I will give you two things to nibble on…1) distance makes the heart grow fonder and 2) even while Tim was visiting he still managed to drive me crazy. And, I managed to bug him too. With Tim, I am often in a holding pattern…waiting. His shower and getting dressed process typically takes well over an hour. I can shower myself, get the kids dressed, bags packed, and be waiting in the car for Tim. This is my biggest rub. But I suppose if that is the worst thing I can complain about than he is a pretty good catch.

On an interesting note: We got the stats on this here little blog…it is not so little. We were shocked to realize how many visitors we get on a daily basis (it isn’t just my cousin Suzy and Uncle Wally). So I am asking for a special request…if you are a religious person, a spiritual person, or neither…if you pray, even if you don’t…please keep my husband at the forefront of your mind, your thoughts, your prayers. Please ask that he come home safely and with a mission accomplished…saving the lives of soldiers.

Once again, I am grateful that my brother Nate was there to capture the event. Nate has a true gift of remaining completely in the background unnoticed. I will forever cherish the images he took. I will post them in the next day or so.

Miss you already, Partner!