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:)
7 comments:
Thanks for sharing this Bek - we are praying for the 3 of you! So glad you got to go see Jason for a few days!
I'm not even pregnant and these pictures made me cry. Know that we are praying for you guys!
Love you all!
Beautiful post Bekah.
I started crying a little when my itunes started playing
Wait for Me by Theory of a Deadman- maybe you should wait to listen to it for a while :) My friend Liz, the one who lives in Hawaii who's husband is a Marine, had it on her blog and it fits perfect, but it's sad.
Ok anyways :) I really want to hang with you and your lovely little lady.
You can mop around and cry the whole time we are together if you need :)
Also, I loved your post on my blog. It made me laugh a lot (envisioning you walking around like a blind girl- too cute really). I really think you would like the book, I loved it.
Ok, that is all I have to say for now.
Except that I am praying for you guys, I think you are gorgeous, I want to see you, I want to see you with the above person who posted, I want to have you over....
Ok now that is all :D
Love you!
Tough post. I feel your pain only partially as I can't imagine what it's like to have to help Ava through the absence. All I can say is to keep yourselves as busy as possible. Maybe all the deployments is why I can't sit still anymore, even watching tv I have to have something in my hands to do. If you just feel like some company, let me know...it always felt good to me to have companionship when Matt was gone and I had some wonderful ladies in the same boat to help me along. I am sad for you and I love you and miss you all!
Wow Beks - thanks for sharing! This is really beautiful, and I'm SO thankful to be able to hear your heart about the struggles. I'll be praying for you, and am excited to visit with you about it...hopefully really soon!
Yeah, I cried.
On a sidenote, have I ever told you how beautiful you are?! :) Love the pic of you and Jas on your 'four-day-away' time.
Oh Bekah! I have tears in my eyes right now. You are all so very brave. I am so proud of the two of you. Poor little Ava will hopefully not remember it but it is quite hard for her I'm sure. I just can't even imagine being in your situation. Thank you so much for being a military wife. I don't have any friends who are in the military (most of them are anti-war) and so reading your post just really brings this whole thing close to home. It really puts a face on it. You are both sacrificing soooo much for the rest of us. Thank You! I love you. Sending you thoughts of love and strength! And hopes for a wonderful new baby!
P.S. started homeschooling Ronan Kindergarten - we're having a blast!
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