When Daddies Deploy

There are some things about Army life that I will never get used to. One of them is a daddy deploying. As Army wives we know what we have signed up for. We know that at this time in history deployments are just apart of life. We are honored to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and blessed to be able to support our fellow wives during this hard time. But, they are still our men, our daughter's and son's daddies and our hearts ache as they swell with pride.

My dear friend Christie said goodbye to her husband Tim on Sunday. He will be gone a year. Their girls, Grace and Mary Ashlyn, are 3 and 1. Here is an excerpt from her email.

"Friends and Family, As most of you know Tim left yesterday for his next deployment. It was really hard on all of us to say goodbye, but I think hardest for him. Along with missing and worrying about us he has no small task to accomplish while he is there. Please pray for his safety, his physical, mental, and spiritual protection. When you remember Tim in your prayers, remember his soldiers, he has close to 100 he is responsible for. My prayer as with yours I know is that the Lord will see everyone of those soldiers home safely."

Please remember our soldiers in your prayers and actions as they continue to sacrifice for your families protection. Also, remember their wives. They are often the unsung heroes who carry the heavy mantel of continuing life at home as normal as possible, a weight that is many times overwhelming. I have joked that it is the wives, just as much the soldiers, that need the care packages and the notes of encouragement. I would encourage you that the next time you feel lead to "support the troops" you find a way (I have contacts if you need them) to encourage the wife of a soldier who faithfully carries on her duties so that her soldier is free to complete his.