As the end of this deployment draws very near, I can’t help but reflect over the last year. I remember at this time — I had so my fears for myself, the girls, and SGT Daddy.

This very same week last year– Kiersten graduated from elementary school, our awesome dog Jack died from contracting Parvo  and SGT Daddy was getting ready to leave for a year in Afghanistan. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions and it pretty much stayed that year for the next 12 months.

I remember thinking how in the world was I going to get thru the next year , what would happen, what would I do if the BIG IF happened, what would SGT Daddy go thru, how would each of us deal with the seperation, would we be ok after it was over. You know — all the normal quesition an Army wife has facing a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan.

During one of our early conversations, SGT Daddy and I both commented on how the Miley Cyrus’ song “The Climb” reminded us both of the deployement.  It still rings true today.  It wasn’t about how fast we got through or what was waiting on the other side. It was about the journey we were on.

How did I deal with this?

First of all, I have some amazing family and friends that were there through the good and the bad. I especially have to thank Alli and the rest of the  girls over at Blissfully Domestic. (too many to list and I don’t want to leave any of you out)

You guys were there for me when I needed you..  you listened to my vents, cried with me, prayed with me and celebrated with me too. I love each one of you!

Secondly, I managed to learn a few things from experienced Army wives that had been through this deployment jail before.  Everything is easier when you break it up into small more managable peices.

Break the deployment into small 3 month chunks — what can you look forward to during those chunks? When you reach that milestone, celebrate it! One thing we did was a weekly celebrations– if we got thru the week , the girls and I celebrated by going to Baskin Robbins every Sunday. (we will be continuing this tradition by the way SGT Daddy, you’ve been out-voted.)

Don’t count down but count UP! At first it seems like it sucks but after awhile you really see how far you’ve come.

So what did I learn on this journey?

I learned lot about myself and how strong I really am. I learned that if I had to I could do this all by myself, but I don’t want. I want SGT Daddy by my side forever and always. I learned that my husband truly loves me and doesn’t want to live without me either. (i knew this before but it cemented it for me)

I saw my girls deal with grown up topics and concepts. I saw them miss their Daddy terribly but also be strong for their Mama. I saw Kiersten start to turn into a lovely young woman with her mama’s attitude and sarcasm to match. I saw Becca grow by leaps and bounds academically and socially.

I saw our marriage go through a significant change as well. Some of the things that we both took for granted before he left , we no longer take for granted.

Lots of change happened this year.. but change is not always a bad thing. I know that as we look ahead to SGT Daddy’s homecoming and we get to be a family again.. there will be lots more change but we will be together and that is the only thing that matters.

SGT Daddy is NOT home yet but will be soon … I’ll be sure to post pictures once that happens !