When I first moved to South Carolina, I expected to feel homesick and probably lonely. Thanks to lots of visitors at first, I, suprisingly, haven’t been too homesick. When Liz and Erin came to visit, they helped me find a job AND friends! (I know, I am super lucky) I have kept myself busy to avoid some of the feeling of missing my family and friends from back home. I am realistic in knowing that there are no NAVY bases in Iowa and that submarines aren’t in the Gulf of Mexico. I WILL be away from family for a while, this is what we signed up for. I expected those things.
I didn’t expect, however, the frequency of times I would feel helpless. Everyone knows what it is like, it sucks. There have been lots of times in my year out of the midwest when I wish I could just jump in the car and drive home. Obviously I can’t do that. (I often wonder if I could if I had enough fruit snacks and Thomas movies…but back to point) This week, in particular, has been filled with the longing to be with family.
It is so hard when I get a call that says “Reggie’s mom was killed in a car accident. He is flying in from Spain and your brothers are coming home.” or “We were supposed to be raising our kids together. I miss you!” The list goes on but when I am on the phone what do I say?
I didn’t get to bearhug Erin and tell her I missed her too. I didn’t get to stand with my family to support Reggie at the wake. I didn’t get to hug Shawn and tell him I’m sorry his dad passed away. I know this is what we signed up for but it sucks.
It will continue to be hard but remember that we all miss you just as much as you miss us. Guess that probably doesn’t help, does it?
Focus on the wonderful family you have there and the rotating group of friends. As some ship out new ones will come along. As the navy begins to move you around you will see old friends again. Keep Skyping with everyone. We all feel your presence and love when we need it.
You have a lot of adventures ahead of you that will in part make up for the things you are missing now. Make sure you step out and participate when they come along. Make sure Conor does too.
Skype keeps me sane. I love to skype into a conversation, etc. I have every intention of taking advantage of as many opportunities we can! I’m glad my love in contagious =)
BTW glad you got over losing this post and rewrote it.
Darling,
I hope you know that Reg and Ana both could feel your love even though you weren’t here, that is the beauty of friendship…. Sometime, when it’s not a crisis, you will come and have a belly laugh, that makes you cry and do your random acts of kindness, and send a beautiful scrap book to grandma, and we are so proud, and we will feel your love even more…. we miss you sooo…. you and your family are so precious to us, unfortunately, it is true, distance makes the heart grow fonder…. We’ve been away, I was pregnant when grandpa Reist died, but the key to know is that we all know that you love us, even when your not here and I pray you know how much we love you when we are not there…. make the most of each day, God gives you 24 hours in a day to do what you want and spread joy and happiness, which you are sooo good at, hang in there, we will see you soon…. love Mom
My sister’s family is in the Canadian army and it is hard on my sister too. Her hubby is going to Afganistan next spring and I’m really going to try to visit at least once while he is away. I don’t really have any advice except that you sound like you havea a great family and at least you have this blog (I say that because I keep telling my sister she needs a blog to keep connected with the world).
For many years I lived in Florida, while my family was in New England. It was so hard not to be able to share in the big AND the small moments. I understand your longing to be closer. To have that feeling of home beside you. I do. But you have it in your heart. And this is what matters most. And you have a beautiful family to share your world with right at your fingertips.