The Comforts of Deployments



Okay, you might think the title of this post is a bit rhetorical.  What, you may ask, can you find that's comforting during the deployment of your child?   Yup, I had asked the very same question a long time ago - before Laurie even deployed.  It took the actual deployment to understand the answer.  I am finding several things - none of which, of course, are as comforting as having Laurie back home, but still offer moments of joy every single day. 
There is Facebook....that "social network" that can be such a pain in the neck sometimes.  I have been known to ignore some things about FB.  I fell for the "__________ has answered a question about Sue" thing once or twice, but some of the questions it asks are not exactly nice, so I gave up on that.  The Farm thing sounded like fun but I didn't really want to ask all my friends for 13 cows, or more chickens.  (Heaven  knows I cook enough chicken here for  the boys to start my own farm :). So,  basically, I use FB to see what is happening in my friends lives. And to see how many others walk in my shoes and who need or offer prayers with understanding.  
One morning, I discovered that Laurie was on FB at the same time as I was.  That doesn't mean I immediately started a chat with her - but I thought about how comforting it was to know that thousands of miles away in a war zone, I could see that Laurie was safe, and well, and making comments on FB.  It's a little thing, some would think, especially since I don't chat with her.  But to "see" her, and to read her comments or see the thumbs up "likes" that she gives to someone - it's a little thing that is HUGE to this mom. 
There are the emails I receive when I am online at the same time she is.  It's like God assuring me that she is doing okay.  Knowing that she is usually at the end of her day when I am at the beginning of mine, well, it's like crossing another day off her deployment.  No wait, it IS crossing another day off.  Small thing?  Hardly.
Skype.  Well, we are usually not here when Laurie Skypes with Stephen and Kasey BUT it's a given that on a certain day at a certain time, Laurie will be talking to her boys.  The internet connection may be spotty but they usually can have a nice chat with 3 or 4 interruptions. :)
Another thing is when she receives the packages we send.  When I pack them, I try to put the happiest things on the top - so that when she takes off the ton of tape I put on them, she can see a picture Kasey has colored, or a colorful envelope with a funny card and a letter inside.  An example:  Probably her least favorite classic family movie she saw as a kid, and a movie that is STILL being shown all the time, is The Wizard of Oz.  It seems the Munchkins - those adorable little people who belonged to the Lollipop Guild - scared  her as a kid.  So when I was shopping in Safeway not long ago and looking for a funny card,  there was a blank card with a picture of Dorothy and Toto, the Tinman, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion.  I laughed as I picked it up, got a few strange looks from the customers nearby, and immediately knew that was THE card I would be sending.  She enjoyed it and said that she laughed too when she saw it.  By the way, she still dislikes the movie intensely so I don't know if Kasey will ever get to see it.  I think it will be up to me to make sure he sees it while she is deployed.  I'll rent it one of these weekends.  LOL.

And then there is Faith.  Last Sunday we had an Army Chaplain fill in at our church while our Pastor was away,  and he did a question and answer session during the Bible Study hour after worship service.  I was able to share that Laurie is deployed, what she does, and the fact that not long ago, Laurie and her staff were required to see and do something a parent would never want their child to see or do.  He cringed and said he would pray for  her "because" he said, "I understand exactly what you mean. "  The cringe confirmed MY discomfort but the fact that he promised to pray for her confirmed the knowledge to everyone in that room that people of faith believe He is listening.  And answering.  And for those sitting around us, I believe it also made them thankful for their own children sitting in their Sunday school classes downstairs.
And this is the biggest comfort - the prayers.  I know that you are all praying for Laurie - and for us, and those prayers bring immense comfort. I have the assurance that He is listening and will answer them all, I trust, with His grace.
Thanks for stopping by.  And for all you do for our family.