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Anxiety leading up to rest, recuperation
Military spouse
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Many of us have reached that point in the deployment where we are less focused on counting down for the end of the year and more focused on counting down for R & R. Those blessed two weeks of reprieve from the loneliness seem to be on everyone’s minds.
For me, the time is fast approaching. My husband is expected to be home before the end of this month. Now, I’ve heard the warnings of many soldiers and spouses that the earlier the two weeks, the harder the rest of the deployment. Still, I can’t help but be excited.
After all, if I spent the time approaching seeing my husband again with an attitude of dread, it seems natural that we’ll have a dreadful time.
If I go into it excited to see him and thankful for what little time we will have together, even if that time isn’t ideal, will it make a difference?
Well, I’m about to try it, and I’ll let you know.
Although I’m not quite naive enough to say that those who’ve experienced this before me don’t know what they’re talking about, I think too often we only increase the anxiety by anticipating the pain of the next goodbye.
For the time being, our plan of action is to be constantly grateful for the time we do have together, and to have so much fun that we can ride that high all the way through the rest of the deployment.
OK, so maybe our plan isn’t flawless, but I think it beats the alternative of planning the next eight months of weeping over a pack of Oreos. I’ll just stay optimistic and keep the Oreos in the cupboard, just in case.
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