 |
On June 4th, Eric's unit traveled back to Oregon from Idaho, and reported to their Corvallis armory where they still had duty for a few more days. However, after several weeks in Idaho, Eric's leaders decided to release the guys at night so everyone could do as they please in their last nights in Oregon. So, we had more time together than expected! I woke up to the rascally face above very late at night after he drove home from Corvallis. I complain a lot about how the army will cut our days short, but sometimes they restore my faith in humanity and extend our days right back.
So, the past few weeks have been really fun. We had a total of four free days to spend together, but it ended up feeling like more than that since we were able to sneak in some extra time together.
Eric's official break started Saturday, the 7th. This day was a busy one. It started out at the Salem Armory Auditorium for Eric's battalion's Mobilization Ceremony.
The experience was an interesting one. It was overwhelming to see the numbers of army men and women standing in formation, ready to go off and fight while we're thirteen years into this war. Just as overwhelming, was seeing the thousands of family members, friends, and community members in attendance. It was a somber reminder of just how many Oregonians are connected to this deployment, and just how much this is affecting our community. Regardless of everything, I was so happy to be there and so proud to see my husband standing there, ready and well-prepared to head off for his time in Afghanistan.
Then this past Thursday, our time came to a close. Another crack-of-dawn wakeup forced us into the car, and our little family drove to Corvallis to drop Eric off one final time.
Usually this would be a really emotional occasion, but we will be seeing each other in a few weeks when I visit him in Texas. So, we kept it together. Also, we stopped by Starbucks on our way out and had our breakfast sandwiches and drinks paid for by the person in front of us. Not surprisingly, this happens to Eric quite often when he wears his uniform in public. What a sweet reminder that there are people all over the place that admire and support our military men and women.
So now, Eric is in Texas for the next two months or so, and in August he'll leave Texas straight for Afghanistan. We get one final reunion, this time for the 4th of July weekend in Austin, Texas. I am so thankful we have another chance to spend time together before he ships off, and I feel so fortunate that it gets to be in a place both of us will be experiencing for the first time. It should be a fun adventure! So for now, things are ok, and life is adjusting to accommodate this long absence we'll have from each other's lives. Only 11 months to go until he's back home, let the countdown begin!
Eric's official break started Saturday, the 7th. This day was a busy one. It started out at the Salem Armory Auditorium for Eric's battalion's Mobilization Ceremony.
The experience was an interesting one. It was overwhelming to see the numbers of army men and women standing in formation, ready to go off and fight while we're thirteen years into this war. Just as overwhelming, was seeing the thousands of family members, friends, and community members in attendance. It was a somber reminder of just how many Oregonians are connected to this deployment, and just how much this is affecting our community. Regardless of everything, I was so happy to be there and so proud to see my husband standing there, ready and well-prepared to head off for his time in Afghanistan.
Right after the ceremony, we headed to my dad's house in Lake Oswego to prepare for Eric's pre-deployment party! Making this party happen was somewhat of a feat after Eric's schedule went through a few changes, but I'm so glad we were able to pull it together. There was an amazing turn out, a full keg, lots of snacks, sunny skies, and good vibes. What more can you ask for?
 |
| ^^ Poor guy trying to take a nap between festivites. It was a busy day. ^^ |
After Saturday, we were truly free for several days. I took time off work, and for four days, we spent Eric's final time home together. As always, that included a lot of family time, friend time, relaxing, sun-soaking, and food.
Then this past Thursday, our time came to a close. Another crack-of-dawn wakeup forced us into the car, and our little family drove to Corvallis to drop Eric off one final time.
Usually this would be a really emotional occasion, but we will be seeing each other in a few weeks when I visit him in Texas. So, we kept it together. Also, we stopped by Starbucks on our way out and had our breakfast sandwiches and drinks paid for by the person in front of us. Not surprisingly, this happens to Eric quite often when he wears his uniform in public. What a sweet reminder that there are people all over the place that admire and support our military men and women.
So now, Eric is in Texas for the next two months or so, and in August he'll leave Texas straight for Afghanistan. We get one final reunion, this time for the 4th of July weekend in Austin, Texas. I am so thankful we have another chance to spend time together before he ships off, and I feel so fortunate that it gets to be in a place both of us will be experiencing for the first time. It should be a fun adventure! So for now, things are ok, and life is adjusting to accommodate this long absence we'll have from each other's lives. Only 11 months to go until he's back home, let the countdown begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment