Diary of a Deployment: May 2005

Jesse came home!!!

Well even though it was only for two days -- Jesse came home!! It was so great to see him. He found out at the last minute (on Thursday) that he was going to have the weekend off, so we decided to just go for it! I am so happy he got to see where we live, and got to experience what life is like for Ethan and I over here. I know it made him feel better and gave him peace of mind to know we are safe and in a nice place. Ethan wasn't hesitant at all around him either! I was very glad about that as well. It was just like old times. They are both so adorable together. I know it was extremely hard for Jesse to leave and for us to say goodbye...again...but it was totally worth it! I already miss Jess so much and after him being here, even for such a short time, I realize how lonely it is here without him. Thank you honey for being such a good daddy. Your son and I miss you terribly. We love you. Thanks for two wonderful days. Can't wait to see you again!!

I GOT YOUR BACK

I am a small and precious child, my dad’s been sent to fight…
The only place I’ll see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud.
My daddy’s got your back.

I am a caring mother; my son has gone to war…
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud.
My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
There are times I’m terrified, in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile, as I watch my husband pack…
My heart may break, but I am proud.
My husband’s got your back…

I am a soldier…
Serving proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I’ll come home.
It’s me who’s got your back.

Congratulations Forest and Erica.

What a beautiful bride!! Ethan and I just returned from Forest and Erica's wedding in Idaho. It was an emotional weekend for everyone. The ceremony was beautiful. Erica looked like a princess and I have never seen such a big smile on Forests face! Thank you Forest and Erica for being such amazing friends to my family. I still remember the first day Erica and I met Forest. Believe me, babies and husbands were the farthest thing from our minds at that point. I am so happy that Forest and Erica found each other. I didn't find out until the last minute that I was the Matron of Honor, so I didn't have time to prepare a speech -- so I guess I will say a little something now. Those two are just awesome together. You know, just by looking at them, that they are meant to be together forever. I am so proud to call Erica my friend. She is so beautiful, smart, kind, caring and a really amazing person. I couldn't have picked a better person for her than Forest!! They are going to be one of those couples that other couples are jealous of. (They already are!) Congratulations you two!! Also, Jesse, I know you were saddened by the fact you couldn't be there. Happy 1 year Anniversary of our wedding ceremony!! Thank you for one of the happiest days in my life. I love you honey!!

Erica and Ethan

Happy Armed Forces Day!

This is a great tribute to all of our deployed soldiers.
http://home.insightbb.com/~armedforcestribute/
Thank you Jesse for protecting us all. We love you.

Vigilante Day

Today Ethan and I and six of the daycare kiddies and my mom ventured to the Vigilante Day Parade! Ethan was thoroughly entertained by all of the floats. I had him all dressed up in his appropriate cowboy gear. He was such a little angel. It is nice to get to share Helena traditions with Ethan. I remember marching in that parade on many occasions. We had a lot of fun. Jesse got a pass for the weekend and went to visit Ryan and Amy. I am sure he will have a great time and it is so nice for him to get to see family. I know he must be absolutely home sick. I can't wait for him to get a mailing address so I can overload him with mail! Amber and baby Josaphine are in town for the week and then we are all off to Erica and Forest's wedding. I know Jesse is really bummed he won't be there for their ceremony, considering they were the only two at our "real" marriage ceremony. I promise to send lots of pictures!! Hope everyone has a great weekend. Ethan and I love and miss you all -- especially you Jess.

Our little Cowboy!

Caleb's Message....

I love you Uncle Jesse! Have a good time super Jesse. Be safe. Thank you for the magazines. I like the one with the two pistols. Please come back soon.

Day two........sort of........

Well it is Day 2 of the blog. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who sent me nice messages about the blog. Everyone thought it was a great idea. Jesse found out today he is scheduled to deploy from Fort Bragg sometime in June. I think it will come faster than we think. I was hoping to see him before he left, but it doesn't seem like it is going to happen. It is going to be so hard when we can't talk all the time. Luckily, he should have email access all of the time. Anyhow, thank you everyone for the sweet messages.

How to Start???

Well Jesse has been gone exactly 44 days now. Oddly enough his report date was our 1st wedding anniversary, and Easter Sunday. Not exactly a cause for celebration. The weeks that proceeded this departure were fast and furious. We sold our house, moved everything, and I came out to Montana with little E. Then I have been busy unpacking here. It is finally starting to slow and settle down, and now, the realization that I won't see my husband for the next eighteen to twenty-four months is starting to sink in. It has been hard on him as well. He is currently at Fort Bragg awaiting mobilization. First he had to go to Fort Jackson for re-training. Since he was in the IRR, and had been out of active duty for a year and a half, the military decided he need "retraining." Now he has met up with his unit at Fort Bragg. They are a reserve unit, primarily out of California. He will be doing more "retraining" for the next couple of weeks, then will head over to Iraq. I am creating this blog, for not only him, myself, and our friends and family, but for others with deployed family members. Since my husband was in the IRR, we are not near any other military families. It is hard to relate to my situation.