3 months exactly until Joe leaves for BMT with the Air Force. I have to laugh ( to keep from crying perhaps...just kidding. Kind of. ) when I think about what our plans were 8 months ago, where we were living 6 months ago, and how vast the space between is. Wow! In May we had just relocated to Arizona for Joe to start a career in MARKETING. In August he was sitting in a chair, across from a Recruiter for the United States Air Force. To say that wasn't in the plans, is beyond an understatement.
It was overwhelming. To try and wrap my head around what this decision would require of me, for the next year. Well...a lot longer than the next year but, that's all I could worry about at the moment. I didn't know exactly what I'd be looking at. But now we're back in Michigan, getting ready for Joe to leave. And here is what I know...
- I'm going to hug and kiss my husband goodbye and have very little contact for 8 weeks.
- I'm going to be a single parent, essentially, for those 8 (9 really) weeks
- I'll be overwhelmed with emotion, often
- After I get through those 8 weeks, I'll see my husband graduate and become Airman Ciaramella. I will be unbelievably proud. I'll cry. And kiss him. Lots.
- The reunion will be shortlived, as Joe will then head to another base in Texas for Tech School (Job Training) for another 10 weeks. (really 11-12 because we all know the military is anything but on time ) By the way, during these 10 weeks we will find out where our first station is! (oh, the possibilities!)
- FINALLY after all of that (Mid-August roughly) Joe will come home to Michigan. We'll do lots of visiting with friends and family. He'll have 10-14 days until he has to report to his first station.
- I WILL REVEL IN THE GLORY OF ONCE AGAIN BEING IN OUR OWN HOME. Even though it takes us away from our "home, home". It will be wonderful to once again be in a place we can call ours.
Just to clarify, I know 18-20 weeks is nothing compared to the spouses/families/friends of soldiers that are deployed for 15+MONTHS. But I'm not in that situation. It doesn't make either situation less difficult, this is just what I'm dealing with. Joe and I have spent little time apart in the last 3 years, and with a child...it's going to be no small task for our little family. But we will definitely make it through, and be stronger for it! It's all part of learning this new life we are walking into.
So that is a run down of the upcoming year. From March-August/September '09. What comes after that? I have NO idea. And that's pretty stinkin' neat if you ask me!
I am so excited about what's to come. While I have NO idea what it will entail, I'm ready to take it on.
So I sit here running through what I will be going through this coming year. And it is NOTHING compared to what Joe will be facing. He has to do the same amount of time apart as I do. But he's not only going to be away from me, but our son as well. Our families, and friends. But he's more than willing to pay the small sacrifice of time for his goal. I love how passionate he gets about things. And serving his country has brought a new level of passion that I have never seen before. At least in terms of "career". I thought he was excited about Positive Technology ( and he was ) but that pales in comparison to THIS excitement. He craves the fulfillment and pride that the Military will bring. And I'm proud to be his wife.
I'm more than willing to do my time in the silent ranks, to see that smile everytime he talks about our future. And then..the pitter-pat comes. Ahh, so cheesy. Get used to it, friends!
It is way past this momma's bed time! Better try to catch a few hours of sleep.
Good Night!
