5:30 am – Alarm clock goes off. Immediately I remember today is THE DAY.
5:40am – Wash hair because it will not cooperate.
5:46am – Board of Education calls to inform us of another 2-hour delay.
5:49am – Attempt to throw up because my stomach feels like it needs to empty its contents.
6:01am – Break down in the bathroom when McDaddy wraps his arms around me. I thought I was ready. I was wrong.
6:08am – Both kids are awake and dressed.
6:12am – Get Stevie’s backpack ready for school.
6:17am – Make way to the garage.
6:18am – Lean against 4-Runner… am I hyperventilating?
6:29am – Arrive at Air National Guard Base
7:04am – Watch McDaddy make his way through the Processing Line.
7:09am – Take pictures of McDaddy and the boys.
7:18am – Kiss McDaddy before he goes into briefing.
7:32am – Watch all movement around me as if I’m in a dream. Is this really happening?
7:50am – Make way into briefing room to hear from General Tackett.
8:12am – Kiss and hug McDaddy for the last time for God knows how long. [My heart is pounding. My hands are sweaty. Tears are streaming down my face. How will I make it through this?]
8:14am – Hug my boys tight. Stevie has tears streaming down his face. [HEARTBREAKING]
8:23am – Make way to fire station to watch McDaddy’s plane take off because it is too cold to stand outside.
8:31am – Watch in agony as McDaddy’s plane takes off. Feel my heart sink.
8:55am – Receive a text that McDaddy sent at 8:22am.
9:47am – Enter our house. It is quiet. It is empty.
10:02am – Retrieve McDaddy’s shirt from the laundry because it smells like him.
10:40am – Spend morning e-mailing and posting pictures to MySpace and Facebook.
11:56am – Watch local news for deployment coverage. Catch a glimpse of me and McDaddy on the screen.
11:57am – Start crying all over again.
1:49pm – Feel like my eyes are ready to fall out. Has it really only been 5 hours?
1:57pm – Count down minutes until its time to pick up Stevie.
1:59 pm Spend the rest of the afternoon wondering how long it will be before McDaddy calls to say that he arrived safely.
6:36pm – McDaddy calls to report that he is safe at his vacation locale on Guantanamo Bay and is headed to the NEX to purchase sunglasses because he forgot to pack his.
8:40pm – Kids are bathed and laughing themselves silly while watching Tom & Jerry. I update blog to reflect McDaddy’s call and evening activities.
8:42pm – Break down crying in bedroom thinking about going to bed. Alone. For the next 6 months.
I MISS YOU MCDADDY! I AM PRAYING THAT GOD WILL KEEP YOU SAFE UNTIL WE ARE TOGETHER AGAIN.
{ 11 comments }
I am at my desk crying for you, I know it seems like forever, but it will be over before you know it.
You made me shed a tear… and I’ve never met McDaddy!
My heart is aching for you and the boys. I dont’ know what else to say but that I pray for you as often as I think of you (which is a lot) and you’ll get through this.
I love you guys.
I’ll be praying for all of you. God bless you for the sacrifices your family makes so that mine is safe.
Blessings–
Dana
Oh, Julie! My heart aches for y’all. If I were closer (and if, you know, we knew each other besides online!) I would come over and pitch in anyway I could. Or just sit with you to cry for a while. (((hugs))) I’m praying for you!
Julie, I’m sure by far this was probably one of the hardest days of your life. You guys are in my daily prayers.
Thinking about you and your family during this hard time. I wish for you that time flies by and the hubby stays safe and sound. As an American I want to say thank you to your husband and all our militiary for protecting our freedom and allowing me to feel safe! Keep smiling.
Ok, Julie, my tears are now flowing. I’m typing this at 6:03 on Sat. evening. I’m trusting that the web-cam worked well last night. I’m familiar with your pain. One is never really ready for reality. But I can just see our sweet son down there in the tropics taking charge and gettin’ things done. Just like you are doing here. I love you all and am praying for all of you. Heads up! Life is tough — but so are you! Be blessed and bold. Call if you need me.
Oh that just breaks my heart reading that! I am so sorry to hear the pain you are going through. I wish I could just give you a ((((((((hug))))))))))
Your entire family is in my prayers…I have added you all to a prayer chain. My God’s grace wash over you during this trying time. Hang in there!
Julie, I’ve been right there in that same spot watching the plane fly off. I know this is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but you will make it, i know you will!! The McFamily is in my prayers and thoughts. Love and blessings for you.
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