navy separation, round 2

If you've been around for a while, you remember OCS. I remember it. It was exactly 370 days ago that Andrew called to say goodbye before he handed over his belongings and his pride to the training command in Newport, RI. I buried my head under the covers as soon as we hung up and cried for about 3 days straight.

Part of what made that so awful was that we knew we'd have zero contact/communication for weeks. That's tough. And also, it was the first of many major separations and strains that we'll go through as a military family. It was kind of symbolic, in a totally heart-breaking way.

And today, he left again. It will be way better this time, for a several reasons. It's only 10 weeks. We'll be in constant communication. We put money aside for a trip up there. I have a mega support system at our church and homegroup. It's so different. But it doesn't stop being hard.

We spent the day preparing - finishing yard work that I can't do alone, making sure his truck was all good after some minor maintenance issues, getting his Bojangles fix before he crosses the Mason-Dixon Line, doing laundry, packing, stealing kisses. I handled it so well until it was actually time for him to leave this evening.

Then I busted out with the ugly-cry that knows no bounds. Gotta love that.

He left, and Rudy and I watched him through the window, because we're gluttons for punishment. Then I had a pity party because the house felt so empty. It was great.

I went upstairs to print off a few things and caught a glimpse of the post-it that stays on my desk: Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

And I remembered that I'm better off in His right hand than anywhere else. Hallelujah for that.

So I put on my PJs, planned the Sunday School lesson for tomorrow, warmed up some pizza and I'm about to queue up the DVR.

And every little thing is gonna be alright. (This is my message to youuuu)