We're Here // January 12, 2007

We’re Here.

I wonder how our President hears those words?

At any rate, we are here and doing well. Moving is always such a huge effort and I’m glad to be done. I think we are in that state where we have various boxes sitting in various rooms and they will just have to stay that way for a bit. I am sick of painting, unpacking, and putting things together!! Ah well, when the sun beams through my office window in the morning, its all good.

The other night, Sara and I got a new couch. We celebrated with one of our favorite pastimes – a bowl of popcorn and a good movie. Ironically, we chose the movie, “All the Kings Men” on the night of President Bush’s Speech on the “new plan” to fix Iraq. I was fascinated by our reactions.

As he spoke, I had this overwhelming urge to go. Not because I intrinsically believe in the mission or the new plan – but because there are many soldiers that will have to. Just yesterday I was getting my oil changed and ran into one of my soldiers – he told me that his brother just left for his third tour in Iraq. He and his wife have been married for three years and have been together for one of it. I wanted to go for them. I wanted to go back because its what I do and the need is there.

It was an odd feeling of revulsion and a drawing. I looked at Sara.

She had tears streaming down her face. I asked why.

“Because someone is going to have to stay longer.” I got sick to my stomach. I remembered the day that the rumor came to me that we might have to stay longer than anticipated. I had almost thrown up. The feelings were back.

Somewhere, a family had been hanging on to the hope that in just a couple months it would all be over – all the fighting and fear, the anguish and unknown – it would be over. Then, suddenly, its not.

Six Months.

I think that anyone, any marriage, can put up with a deployment or some other kind of hardship for about six months. I remember that my counseling load doubled after six months and just grew exponentially after that. Six months turns into eight months and the days just drag on. Soon, you’re at eleven and hope begins to rise again.

Stay longer?

Pray for these soldiers. Pray for their families. Pray that they stay safe in Iraq and Afghanistan. A year is a long time. Staying longer is more than some can take.

Lift them up.

Blessings and Peace