One Year

Twenty-two months ago, May 4, 2012, my life changed.  There I sat in the airport in Indianapolis as R got on a plane to begin his military journey.  I had no idea what the next 17 months would hold while he was away.  I just knew I wasn't ready to be on my own.  

Flash forward to October 26, 2011 - the day R came home.  

I was thrilled to have him back, but nervous at the same time.  For 17 months I had done everything around the house (except mow the lawn, thanks to my awesome neighbor) by myself.  I had become so independent.  I have always been an independent person, but this was complete independence.  I didn't need anyone to take the trash out, help carry in the groceries, fold the laundry, or do the grilling.  I was in control of the remote.  

That was a major year of growth for me.  I had been so used to living as "R and I" that in a way I had to learn to live as just me.  I have a fabulous group of friends, who are mostly military people or spouses (shout out to Brooke, Lee, Matt and Andy -- holla!)  and my family rocks my world.

Once he got back it was a learning process to have him home again.  Don't get me wrong, I loved the fact that we were under the same roof and I didn't have to talk to him through phone calls or Skype.  However, the challenge was having him know I was doing everything by myself while he was gone, but letting him know I need his help, now that he's home. 

Now... flash forward to today, October 26, 2012.  This past year has been amazing.  We have traveled, gone on dates again, and enjoyed every most minute of being reunited.  Here's the hard part...  Since R was gone for so long, he had to be home for a calendar year before he was deployable again.  That year has hit.  While we don't know what the future homes as fas as him deploying (which won't happen until December at the earliest) we know this is what we signed up for.  And we completely trust that God has a plan for R and his military career.  

For now, we'll continue enjoying the time we have with him here at home.  Perhaps tonight should be a date night to celebrate his one year homecoming.  

Happy Friday, everyone (or no one, I don't know who reads this)!