Today was a good day, with one very hard part right in the middle of it. This morning we got up, got ready for church, and headed out the door. We spent a lot of time at church because it was my weekend to do nursery so we were there for both services. After church we went over to my friend, Lyssa's, house and had lunch and just hung out. Then we went home.
Today was the day that I decided we would tell the kids about Bodie dying. He was the dog that died on day 3 of the deployment. We told the kids that he went to my mom's house because it was too much for them to handle losing their dog and saying "see you later" to their dad for a year. So, we have been waiting for the timing to be right to tell them, but I didn't want to tell them when Ian was home for R&R because I wanted them to be able to enjoy their time. So, with this being a long, busy weekend, I figured it would be a good time to break the news to them.
So, we got on Skype with my mom and my step-dad this afternoon and my mom told them that Bodie had died yesterday. It was hard to do, but the kids took it better than expected. Daniel took it the hardest, and I cuddled him for a while. The girls did okay with it and still talked to my mom and step-dad for a little while afterwards. It was kind of a relief to finally tell them and not have to avoid their questions about Bodie whenever they brought him up. Now they know he is gone and we all can deal with that. After the Skype call, we ended up going to a church thing that was a ton of fun for the kids and helped to distract them. So, the day ended well.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have the parents that I have. They truly are amazing. My mom, dad, and step-dad have all been there for me from day one, and not just day one of this deployment but also day one of my marriage, my children's lives, and, really, my life. During the deployment especially though, they have cared about the kids, Ian, and me. They always call asking how we are all doing, Ian included. They are always sending Ian packages and letters. They call to talk to the kids as much as they can. When I am having a hard day, I can talk to them about it and they are there for me. They may not be former military, but they can and do listen and help where they can. Basically, they are just there for me.
This whole thing with Bodie dying at the very start of the deployment was more than I could take. I had just sent my husband to war just over 48 hours earlier and then had to have the dog that I have had for over 11 years put to sleep because he was in agonizing pain. I couldn't bear to tell the kids. When I called my mom, crying, she told me that her and my step-dad, Jay, would help me tell the kids when it was a good time to tell them and until then he could live happily in their thoughts with my parents. I don't know if my mom and Jay will ever understand how grateful I am for their help and support throughout this deployment (and my life for that matter), it really has meant the world to me.
I cannot forget to mention my dad. He has been insanely supportive too. Heck, he even moved out here for a few months to help me get through a class for my teaching credential. I know I would have been able to do it with the help of friends, but it would have been way more stressful on the kids and me had he not been here. I am so grateful for his help during that time and for his continued support of my husband and me ever since.
That is the one thing I hold in high regard: Support. If someone supports my husband, they are okay by me. My parents tell my husband as often as they can just how proud they are of him and how much they love him. They tell me that too, and also add in that I chose well and that they love their son-in-law and think he is the best dad to their three grandchildren. I have to say, I agree! Back to the point. I could not have asked for better parents. Sure they have their flaws, we all do, but supporting their kids and grandchildren is one one of them. They have been there for us more than any other family member, and for that I cannot express how much gratitude I feel and cannot tell them enough how much I love them.
Mom, dad, Jay: If you read this, THANK YOU! Thank you for being amazing parents to Ian and me. Thank you for being amazing grandparents to our children. Thank you for helping us get through this time of separation and for just being who you are. I love that I can call my parents true American patriots and know that you support my husband as a soldier, husband, father, and son. I love you all and could not have done this without your support and the strength you instilled in me. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment