2: Thankful there was a different plan for me than the one I had for myself. luuux.com/node/2630744 #30days
This photo hit me hard. I've shared my dreams of joining the Army Reserves Nurse Corp (here), and finding out I was pregnant with Logan just before finalizing my paperwork for the board review. I made that decision at a time i didn't think Nick and I would ever have children. But the reality of the life of a female soldier and mom hit me when I saw the raw emotion on this oldier's face. I can't imagine deploying for months or a year at a time, only interacting with Logan through Skype. I can't imagine coming home to a child that doesn't even really know me. I know how hard it is for Nick to leave Logan, and the longest he's been gone so far is 3 weeks. As a mother, I can't imagine being separated from my son. This could have been me. The strength and bravery of this mother is inspiring. I've never been more in awe of a mothers love.
I wanted so badly to share this photo with Nick... share my emotions, heartache, and what could have been. But at the last minute I decided against it, because sadly Nick will have to face this reality next year. He doesn't need to be reminded of the road ahead.
A little known fact about me: I was this.close to joining the Army Reserves Nurse Corps. Not back when I was fit and young... more like a little over a year ago when I was in decentshape and getting older everyday.
I have so much admiration and respect for our soldiers, and I am so proud to be the wife of a Sgt in the TN Army National Guard. I wanted to join the Army for quite some time before I convinced the husband... and I still only managed to convince him to let my join the Reserves. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it, I wanted to serve my country, and the student loan payoff was an added bonus. It seemed like the perfect life for an infertile 20-something.
As my final paperwork was being submitted I was surprised with 2 little pink lines that forever changed my life. Looking back I can't imagine if my paperwork had been completed just a few months sooner, or those little pink lines showed up just a little later than they did. I have a feeling I'd be snuggling my sweet little boy in Canada right now. I cannot imagine leaving him for weeks, or months, or even a year at a time. My heart couldn't handle it.
To those soldiers that leave their families and little ones behind to serve our country, THANK YOU. There truly is no greater sacrifice. You are the strongest, bravest, and most selfless individuals, and I am proud for you to represent our country. Most of us could never do what you do.
I'm grateful for the way life turned out for me, but I can't help but get a little jealous when I see videos like this:
If my husband's training, schools, and deployment is any indication, it really can be this much fun.
