Let me introduce you to a friend ...

Do you remember when I told you about the art piece I had commissioned for my husband's return from Iraq?

I had so many people asking for the artist's contact info and as an avid supporter of military spouses I was happy to pass it along. Well, ask no more, my friends, because now the artist Maria, has her own blog as well as a Esty shop! Now you can explore her beautiful art without waiting!

Well, I am am off to explore more of her work!

Until our next cup of tea ...

Thank you anonymous poster …

Two months ago I wrote a post entitled “If it weren’t for war …” In it, I express what I have learned and gained as the spouse of an American Soldier. I’ve gotten continued comments and emails on the post, which was written in a brief reflective period during this deployment. Most have said how they found it inspiring or hoped that when it came time for one of their loved ones to deploy that they would find the same strength and courage to see the brighter side of things. I’m not a leader or inspiration, I merely write what I feel and hope that others give pause to consider.

Today, I received a comment regarding that post that made me feel even more assured of what I’ve chosen for my life’s journey:

“It's so beautiful that so many Iraqis and Americans had to die in a war based on lies in order for your life to feel slightly less boring.” – Anonymous

Now I have been encourage to delete the comment by a few friends and colleagues. I could have deleted it or merely ignored it, but since it’s my blog, I’ve decided to tell you what I think …

First, let me say “Thank You” for taking the time to post. It wasn’t the newest post or even at the top of the page, so you either ventured here from someone else’s page or took the time to scroll though my page. I’m sure there were other things you could have been doing.

Secondly, thank you for expressing your thoughts and views. While I don’t agree with you, it makes me happy to see that people are using the freedoms that our forefathers gave their lives to garner for us and that those who follow in their footsteps like my husband and so many of the people who are in my life strive to protect, even at the possible cost of their own life.

Third, I think you slightly misunderstood my intent. I do not say I support war … as the spouse of an American Soldier I am the last person who wants to send the love of her life to fight, but I do support our troops. Mistake aside, as it is a common misconception, war has been an integral of America’s history. Not just wars, but those who protest them. There’s no need for a history lesson, but our forefather’s fought for our freedom just as our Soldiers do for the Iraqi people. No one was more patriotic than on Sept. 11, 2001, but now, nearly six years later, the actions of our commander-in-chief have divided the country. However, we must remember that our right to speak of our beliefs and convictions was granted to us by war … wars that people supported and opposed.

I am happy to see people embrace the freedoms that make our nation great. It shows that our troops fight for the interest of all Americans, not just those in power or leadership. That freedom is further supported by the turnouts of this election year.

Freedom is a gift … a gift gained at an immeasurable price. Again, thank you for leaving a comment that will give others a cause to reflect on what they stand for and what they believe in. I’m not sure this is the response you had hoped to achieve, but it is the response that my long time readers will know to expect. The sacrifice that my Family makes is dedicated to those like yourself who chose to use their freedoms, regardless of the manner in which you do so.

Until our next cup of tea …



"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G. K. Chesterton.

Mmmm ... Ham ... Green Beans ... Pie!

That’s what I kept saying all through lunch today, making my husband laugh. As the nearly 3,500 in my husband’s unit prepared to deploy, many Soldiers and their families put aside their thought of pending farewells and took the time today to dine together at the Patriot Inn, the brigade’s dining facility or DFAC.

The line was longer than usual but the weather was cool and chatter was abundant as family members greeted each other and shared storied while waiting.

As the line slowly inched forward, I was greeted with all the traditional smells of a holiday feast. I excitedly watched as my plate was piled with ham, pot roast, green beans, mashed potatoes and other goodies. Then I moved forward to the dessert station. There as every type of traditional pie and cake and some that I would vote to become a tradition. I chose a yellow cake with creamy vanilla pudding filling and chocolate icing.

We worked our way through the crowd around the dessert station and found an empty table, greeting friends along the way.

The meal was delicious and a great opportunity to spend time with my husband. We talked a little about the deployment and after a few spouses greeted me, my husband commented that many of them looked to me for support because there are few who are staying here at the installation that were here for the previous deployment.

I smiled when the chaplain stopped by and asked if I was staying. I assured him that I was and that if his wife needed anything she should call. I don’t see myself having a major role, not like last time anyway, but I am available to help when needed. I faced some harsh realities after last year’s deployment and plan on keeping a low profile, but I am excited about the chance to work with some of the other volunteers in helping the families, because it will definitely keep my mind off of the separation.

When George's dad visit for Thanksgiving we will eat lunch at my DFAC and I am excited (there are two DFACs, one for George's Brigade and one that is for my Brigade. There are A LOT of Soldeirs to feed!)

On another note, I stopped by the commissary on the way home from work to pick up a few items. Seriously, it was only about 7 items, but it took nearly an hour. I had forgotten how crazy it gets this time of year. After checking out, I check to make sure all of my limbs were still attached and headed home. Whew! Glad I've got everything I need.

Lastly, I received an email from one of my mentors in the military world. His son is currently deployed to Iraq and had a small request:

"I have plenty more Thanksgivings in my future so missing one because I
am over here serving my country doesn't bother me a bit. I ask one simple thing from all of you though on Thanksgiving day, when the food is served and you start to feel as though you can't possible eat anymore, go back for another plate for me!" -- R

Take a moment this week to remember those who are seperated from their Families this holiday season, say a prayer for them or keep them in your thoughts. However you chose to celebrate the season, remember their sacrifices give you that freedom.

Until our next cup of tea …

Military spouses need battle buddies too ...

Yesterday I accompanied a friend to her husband's deployment ceremony. Like mine, her husband will spend the next 15-months in support of the Global War on Terror.

She and I have become closer, I think, in the last few months as the reality of our husband's deploying again became real. We clicked right from the start having much in common ... both military spouses, career women, no children, but owners of very spoiled special-needs pets. Our husbands are both in roles of leadership.

Even more so, we both accepted the same job - in different units - recently.

During the last deployment I was busy with multiple friends, helping them deal with the seperation, though I never showed my true feelings to any of them. In the past few months I have come to learn how shallow and fragile those friendships were, which for a while left me feeling cheated. I was prepared to face this deployment in more low-key manner, taking care of me. But in talking with her, especially the last few months, I've learned that while in the last deployment I may have had many distant friendships, having one that I can feel free to be myself and not feel judged is what I should have been focused on.

I've come to realize the importance of a "battle buddy," someone who may see my deepest fears and still be there. The next 15-months may be long, but I know I won't be alone.

Until our next cup of tea ...

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard to ...

When a Soldier comes home video.

I normally don't surf YouTube, but I "googled" a photo spread a fellow military spouse sent me and I found it in video format. It makes me cry, but in a good way. It reminds me of all that they give up for our freedoms.

Another friend emailed me and said that in support of what the Soldiers were giving up in this 15-month deployment, she was going to give up three things she loved until they returned. I thought it was a great way to show support, so after much though (and some tears) I have decided that when my husband leaves I will give up the three following things in support of him and his fellow Soldiers ...

1. Alcoholic beverages: it's really not as fun without my husband anyway
2. Sodas: it may hurt a little but I can do it
3. Chocolate: This one will hurt ... BAD! It means chocolate as a candy, cake, ice cream, garnish and beverage. Guess I'll be clutching coffee to ward off the cold this winter.

But then I got to thinking. In honor of the freedoms they fight for, maybe I should try three new things because as Americans we have the luxury of making choices, whereas in many other countries people are persecuted for going against their society. So in honor of their fight for our freedoms I will:

1. Try something new every month (they give up their hobbies and liberties to protect us)
2. Workout at least 4 days a week exercising (my husband had to run on a dirt track that surrounded the FOB when in Afghanistan)
3. Participate in at least two activities a month that include other spouses (support is a valuable asset during a deployment.)

I encourage other military spouses or supporters who'd like to join me in either giving up ar adding something to their routine in support of their Soldier to leave a comment. I'll encourage you and hope you will encourage me. We can get through it together far better than we can alone.

Until our next cup of tea ...



Editor's note: There was some lag with my web page so I'm hoping that by replacing the video feed with the link it will be better.