Well, I never thought I would actually make it. There were times where I thought there is no way I can do this. But, each day passed and a box was crossed off the calendar, bringing me just one more day closer to hugging my Marine. Here we are, the last week. The last days. The last hours.
I remember the day he left like it was yesterday and yet it feels like it was a eternity ago. He laid in bed most of the day, not feeling well. Kenzie wouldn't take a nap, which is so out of character for her. I was sick with anxiety, stress, uncertainty. It was probably one of the worse days of my life. I remember driving him uptown to the recruiting office that night. I made it to the end of our road, put on the brakes and shook the steering wheel. Through tears I whispered "I can't do this."We sat there for a moment in silence. I am not sure where I mustered up the strength and courage to drive off, but somehow we made it to the office. I never knew eyes could produce so many tears. I never knew a heart could feel so empty and broken at once. By God's grace, strength, courage and love- we made it. And, now that we are in those final moments before we are able to welcome him back, I got to work preparing a home for a Marine.
First things first, this man likes his Pop and Beer. I stocked the fridge with all his favorite beverages, knowing that he was surviving on water from a canteen for the last 90 days.
Every good wife likes to bake, so I whipped up a batch of Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies, a couple of loafs of bread and some accouterments to top them off. Brett's favorite breakfast in Mexico is Nutella and waffles, and since he missed out on the latest trip down there- I had to be sure to have some ready for him here!
Of course, I triple cleaned the house and made sure that his stuff was put back out where it was when he left. The last item on my to-do list, hanging up his Welcome Home Banner. Now, those of you that know me know I am not a handy-woman to say the least. But, thanks to this fabulously warm new coat I bought, my thin fleece hat and gloves, I was ready to tackle this task!
Is it hung tightly to the posts? No. Is it blowing in the wind like a wild beast? Yes. Is it going to be there just like that when he comes home Friday? Hopeful.
I am pretty proud of myself. Not just for hanging up a silly banner, but for actually making it through. They say the wives of the men in service are the silent ranks. The ones who stay home and take care of the family. The ones who cook, clean, do the laundry, empty the trash, grocery shop, put the kids to bed, give the kids a bath, take the kids to school, pay the bills, and on and on and on. The ones who never earn a badge, earn merits, earn promotions, earn a Purple Heart. Just the ones who silently serve their country, by making a house a home. I am blessed to be a part of the silent ranks. I look forward to meeting my sisters, and supporting each other through this journey. I am new to it, I don't know a lot, but what I do know is that I wouldn't trade this for the world. No matter where we are sent, I will make my house a home- "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."
Ephesians 3:17-19
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
