Today I am thankful for 2 more months. It's 2 more months that we have with Brian. It doesn't seem like a lot, but we get to have the holidays with him this year and that's pretty big in my eyes.
What has brought on this thankfulness? Why would I be thankful for this today? I went to a "Deployment Fair" that was put on by our Battalion. Basically, it's an open house for Soldiers and their spouses to fill out contact info paperwork and visit with the different agencies that provide services for them during the deployment (and during other times as well).
The military has really learned that families do better when they are prepared. When there is literature on all aspects of a deployment, families can prepare for all kinds of expected and unexpected situations that may arise when their servicemember is deployed. There are things for preparing the kids, financial stuff, emergency stuff, and even reunion. It's important to know where to go, who to talk to and what to do when things happen and these deployment fairs are a great way to find that information out.
This will be our 3rd year long deployment. While a lot of information is the same, some has changed and there are programs that are out there to help make the deployment as smooth as possible. Families also do better when these programs are taken advantage of. Things like family activities and free childcare help keep families going through the deployment and lessens the worry that a Soldier may have about leaving their family.
While it was important I check this information out again, it really brought the reality of Brian leaving again to the forefront. I could sit here and sulk about there only being 2 months left. However, it's 2 months that I get to make the most of. 2 more months of spending time as a family (you know, when he gets back home this weekend) and 2 more months preparing our children for the inevitable. It will probably go by way too fast, but we'll fill these 2 months with fun and family time.
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