Countdown...and perspective

Wow, I just typed an enormously long blog and somehow deleted the whole thing.

Here's the Reader's Digest Condensed version...

John should be home sometime between the 12th and 16th of November. I have a big concert I am planning at work on the 15th of November. Aaron Tippin (!!!!!) will be the headliner for that. Murphy's Law says that John will be home in the middle of the day on the 15th! I'm hoping for ANY of the days before that!

I was griping about how Burger King shortened their hours when the soldiers left. I guess they somehow forget that there are thousands of families still on post who want to get breakfast...and that led to griping about waiting at the pharmacy and grocery store because soldiers get head of line privileges. No matter how long you've waited. That led to something about how if I am not taking care of myself, can't get medicine, for example, or am not here taking care of the home and family then the soldier who gets that privilege wouldn't be able to do his job as well. My husband couldn't focus on his mission and coming home safely if he was constantly having to worry about all the family business that I take care of. So, while I am grateful for the soldiers and know that if it weren't for the Army we wouldn't be here, living here, at all, I think that sometimes they forget that we are also important.

That said, I have been frustrated with the kids lately and seem to have lost my own perspective. As much as I get overwhelmed by the whole idea of having to do everything on my own, I have forgotten that John has missed it all. I complain about dumb things they do but John hasn't gotten to be here for the good or the bad. He missed Connor pitching for the first time. He missed Sammi making the A/B honor roll for her first quarter of middle school. He has missed Cili moving into the very big girl world of 3rd grade. He has missed Keegan learning new tricks on his skateboard. He has missed Cass starting the 11th grade and his goofy sense of humor. And we miss him, too. So, while I cry for a break from the 24/7 of it all, I need to remember that John aches for just a moment with them...

So, if that was the condensed version, I guess we should be happy I accidentally deleted the whole other blog...ha!