Seasons

It's hard to believe it's been over a year since I put anything on this blog. There has been a lot that I wanted to share, but who has the time anymore? And being the Facebook addict that I am, most of my thoughts are now instant. Lucky everyone. Today, however, I feel like writing.
The temps are starting to drop in Maryland. Things are starting to feel cool, and it's not abnormal to wear long sleeves or a very light jacket at night. It's my favorite time of the year when the weather becomes cooler, the leaves start to change, and I no longer have to fear putting on a swim suit. I love all things Fall. I am giddy about our Halloween decorations coming out at the end of the month, and then I change them again twice before the new year! I love the rush of holidays that go with this season too. I'm all about any holiday devoted to getting chocolate. This particular Fall is going to be a good one, because my love returns from Iraq. Again. I feel grateful to live in a this time of technology. I can't imagine the days of WW2 when men left for years at a time and only corresponded by letters when they could. I always say WW2, but truly I'm grateful he wasn't in Iraq in 2004, when there was zero wifi and calls were brief and made from sat phones. Granted, last time he did have wifi in his room so we talked regularly, I am still at peace with the calls we get every couple of days. It's hard to be a part. It's hard to take care of the house/kid/car without wanting to fall apart every now and again. It's hard to be a military spouse. But I can't think of a better way to serve our county. So many people don't think about the incredible place we live until tragedy strikes. Even 10 years after 9-11 people have become 'hard' again. They have lost the patriotic tug at their hearts that was there in the months and years after. It's depressing if I think about it too much. It may be crazy, and I may regret this in the coming years, but I do hope our son serves. Right now he talks about how his daddy is a hero and how he wants to be a hero too, and I try to encourage that. The military is a teacher like no one else, and I want our children to learn and be grateful for what their dad does. I want them to know the road that we chose for our family was not always easy, but it was meaningful and helped others. I want them to know that their dad IS a hero and the people that serve with him are too. One day, if I am watching my son be sworn in I hope to be joyful and give thanks for the man of courage he will be. (Really I'm hoping that those feelings will be there and real with anything he chooses to do in life!) But for now, I will watch with my nose pressed to the glass, willing the leaves to change and fall to the earth and bring my love home.