Sadly the day after Jason left his grandfather passed away. Unfortunately Jas wasn't able to attend the funeral, but Ava and I jumped on a plane and headed to Florida to be with the family. It was a really good time of reconnecting with each other and supporting one another. I love all of Diane's family and I'm so thankful to be such a welcome part of their lives:)
Ava & James with Grandma at the funeral
One week later Jas found out that he would be getting a four day pass for me to come down and see him...good news! Yet no military family wants their one and only leave to happen 3 weeks in to the deployment...but better one than none right? right:) After painstakingly debating whether or not to bring Ava, we decided to leave her with my parents. SO HARD to do! I cried like a little baby when I had to say goodbye. She did great though and so did my parents, but both Jas and I missed her terribly. Overall it was good for us because we haven't had 4 days to ourselves in over 2 years, which was really the best thing for our marriage.
Ava & I have been in MN for the past week, and are preparing to head back to Iowa to our normal life...or if not normal at least somewhat predictable albeit sans Jas:(
Ava & I visiting my Grandparents at White Bear Lake for Labor day
I am doing ok. I think with time this will get easier, but right now i am tender and emotional and probably quite hard to be around:) Ava misses Jas and is confused by his absence- that's probably the hardest thing for me.
The day Jas left we started off our morning at La Mie...He had to have one really good pastry before he left:)
After breakfast we drove to Cedar Rapids, which is where Jas left from. Andre followed us on the bike but sadly Diane couldn't be there due to her dads failing health.
Ava has really vivid memories of this day. I think it was good that Jas took her on the bus to look around because it gives her something concrete to associate his departure with. Whenever we talk about daddy she says "daddy go on the bus.. daddy in Mississippi, he go bye-bye"
It hit Jas really hard while we were saying our goodbyes that this was the last time he would be holding his daughter for a year. It was very emotionally overwhelming and it took Jas by surprise I think
our goodbyes
We love you and miss you honey. This year will be over before we know it:)
