March 08, 2005

IN BETWEEN

Back in July, Tim wrote me an email in between the time when he learned his wife was back in Germany and the time he would be able to see her. Why me?

If I wondered for a moment "why Sarah?", I knew as quickly it is because you would understand. You are on your own journey. Here is a peek at the end.

At that time, I was five months into my own journey. I know of someone who could use the peek even more, for she is only two weeks into hers.

Dear CaliValleyGirl,

As I sit and know that my husband is in Germany and that I will see him in three and a half hours, I can't get the silly grin off my face. He's back. He's safe. And he's almost here.

But other than goofy, what am I feeling?

I feel excited. I can't wait to have a conversation with him that doesn't include typing or static or time limits. We can talk. All night if we want. And there won't be any soldiers from the Republic of Georgia shouting in the background. He won't have to stand in line to get to me, and I won't have to worry about stepping outside to take out the trash and missing him online. We can talk.

We can also hug. In a way I envy the mothers because at least they have children to hug. I've been quite snuggle-less for a year, and I am looking forward to one of our little rituals: my husband sits on the recliner and I sit knitting on the sofa, and during commercials he leans over and we give each other this little high-five hand squeeze thing. It's just a little moment of touch, but I miss it.

I also feel pride. I am proud of us for making it through this year. I am proud of him for working so hard to help Iraq. Platoon leader is the hardest job a lieutenant can have in Iraq, and he did it the entire deployment. I am proud of the fact that I met one of his soldiers today who said, "Thank god I moved into 3rd platoon." I'm proud that my husband's commander keeps raving about him; his wife says he even does it when they're home just the two of them! My husband says it's funny that I have this grandmotherly thing with him, where I think everything he does is perfect, but it's not just me. He's done well this year, and I couldn't be prouder.

I also feel proud to have been a part of such a moment in history. I found a comment on my blog yesterday, the "if you think the war's so great, then why don't you join", and I am proud that my family has. We put our money where our proverbial mouth is and took part in the spread of democracy. He moreso than I, but we did it together, and I'm proud to say that we've helped make history.

So above anything else, I feel excitement and pride. I can't wait to walk into the gym and see the cheering masses of families and soldiers. And this time I won't wake up from the dream before I can grab him in my arms.

So what does this mean for you, CaliValleyGirl? You're probably ready to sock me for being so happy when you're just starting. You wanted to know how long a year is...it's not that long when you have love and pride to keep you company. This year has gone fast for me, and in many ways I can't believe it's already over. You may feel overwhelmed right now, but time will pass and hopefully you'll carry on this tradition next year by writing to another wife who's just starting her journey. We all need a peek at the end, and I promise you it will be here before you know it.

May your journey be joyful...
Sarah

Posted by Sarah at March 8, 2005 02:33 PM
Comments

Sarah:
I've enjoyed reading your blog these past few months. I am so glad that your husband made it back safe and sound. You have every reason to be proud of him and all the others like him. It is people like you two that make me proud to be an American.

Regards (fron The Heart Of Dixie)

Sam

Posted by: Sam Kelly at March 8, 2005 03:01 PM

I remember Tim's letter to you - and crying. This is just as touching......maybe more so as I've been reading you the entire time and have laughed and/or cried for/with you every day.

I'm just so happy you will have him home with you so very soon! Today! Today! IT'S TODAY!!

Posted by: Tammi at March 8, 2005 03:11 PM

I was already getting teary eyed at "Dear CaliValleyGirl". Thanks so much for thinking about me right now, when your mind is surely on much more exciting things.
I can't help but think about you too. I am so excited for you! And in a bizarre way, I am also excited for me too. Although I look forward to the anticipation of greeting him back in a year, I also look forward to all the experiences this year will bring.
Thanks for all the support you have offered me, and I wish you all the best for the reunion that you have been dreaming about for a year!

Posted by: calivalleygirl at March 8, 2005 03:27 PM

Everyone else has said it, I remember this letter too. And I can't tell you how happy I am for you both.

Posted by: Teresa at March 8, 2005 03:36 PM

Sarah, I'm so so so happy for you and Russ! It's been a joy (and many times, a comfort) to read your blog over this past year (+). Enjoy.

Posted by: Carla at March 8, 2005 03:46 PM

I love the picture and I very much enjoyed what you wrote in this post.

Your husband has done the Iraqis and us a great service, and you have to by being so supportive. Thank you. Your family reminds me of how proud I am to be an American, and how appreciative I am that there are many families like yours.

Posted by: Athena at March 12, 2005 12:36 AM