A Hero's Homecoming

Being a Navy wife is a bitter sweet existence.

There is really no way to understand it unless

you are one.

Or love one.

Here is a peek into our world.

One that we don't often share with outsiders

because that would not be "strong" of us.

And we are all about being strong.

Unless we are in groups together

leaning on each other and wiping each others tears.

The bitter parts of being a Navy wife can almost
do you in if you let them.
The bitterness of curling up in an empty bed after
a stressful day can almost swallow you whole,
if we were not comforted by the sweet e-mail
we just read from our sailor or soldier before bed.


The bitterness of having to see tears well up
in our children's eyes because they miss their dad
can leave deep scars in our heart
if it were not for the sweet soul to soul talks we get to have
with our kids about life,
love,
sacrifice,
honor and family.

The bitterness of separation can leave us cold

and alone

if it were not for the sweetness of

like-minded friends surrounding us with

warmth and companionship when we need it most.

The bitterness of carrying the whole load of a

household on our shoulders

is enough to break even the most

determined

if we were not supported by those who come alongside us

during our hour of need.

The bitterness of worrying about our

soldier or sailor being in harm's way

can leave us a nervous wreck

if we were not soothed by reassuring

e-mails and phone conversations

and whispers of "I love you and I'm Ok".

There is no way to effectively explain

what it feels like to have a loved one

on foreign soil,

deep under the ocean,

flying high above enemy territory,

floating in unfriendly waters.....

for months

and months

and months.

There is no way to describe what it feels like

to wonder what this separation is doing to our kids.

No way to put into words our deep sadness

when the calendar flips too slowly.

There is no way to describe our longing

for the warmth of our loved ones arms.

To feel the soft kisses and sweet caresses

that melt away the day's troubles.

There is no way to make you understand

our great sorrow when we witness

a child's milestone

alone.

There is no way for you to comprehend

our anguish when we must endure

yet another delay,

a change,

an extension.

But there is also no way to describe

our sense of pride.

There is no way for you to understand

how honored we are to have

married incredible men

who serve their nation honorably.

There is no way for you to understand

the bond we have with eachother.

The absolute dedication we wives have

to our kind is unequaled.

There is no way that we can make you understand

what it feels like to read love notes from our soldier or sailor

and how we hang on to those words

and read them over and over again.

We can't describe for you the butterflies

we feel whenever we get a phone call,

a letter, an e-mail or skype.

You will never understand the sheer joy

and the incredible adrenaline of anticipation

as we get closer and closer to the

homecoming day.

We can't put into words what that first hug is like
or how blessed we feel to have our eyes on our

soldier or sailor.

How can we ever express to you

how lucky we are to have

a "first kiss" after many years of marriage,

to watch father and child rediscover each other,

to fall in love all over again?!

To take our soldier or sailor home

and celebrate life with them,

huddled close,

thanking God for safe returns,

the love of family,

and the rewards of patience!

*

You might remember the Rossi Family

from my blog.

I was blessed to do a photo shoot with them

before Giancarlo's deployment to the middle east

and I had the absolute honor of

photographing his homecoming!

Thank you to all of the men and woman

who are serving our country.

And a special thank you to the stateside spouses

who love their soldiers and sailors

in a thousand little ways

across miles and time zones!

God Bless!