Prep work

It has been amusing watching Christine prepare for her upcoming “trip”.  Government regulations that are meant to protect everyone involved seem to get on the silly side.  She has gone to the Doctor 4 or 5 times just to have yet another form signed.  The paperwork involved in the passport process was eye-opening.  Some of her online training was interesting and it reminded me of being in the military.  The nice thing about being active duty was the fact that you were always deployment ready.  She has had to cram it all in these past few weeks.

It is still funny watching the reactions of people when they react to Chris deploying.  “Don’t you know there is a war over there?” is something I have heard a time or two.  I believe there is risk in all that we do.  We both work in downtown Detroit.  Statistically more dangerous than where she is headed to.  The folks she will be deploying with are professionals and the danger has been mitigated.  There are armed escorts, firearms training and off limit areas.  She will be fine.

We have been looking at places to meet at here halfway point when she is able to take a break.  The South pacific is looking like a mighty nice place to R&R at.  Sandy beaches and no agenda sound good no matter where we go.  Back to planning…

The Experiment Begins...

My wife Christine is being deployed to Afghanistan for 6 months. 

She volunteered to go.  (momdeployed.blogspot.com)

This is my story.

This comes as no surprise since we both love to travel and the experience is one that does not come around to often.  When she mentioned that the Army Corps was looking for assistance in Afghanistan I just asked her when she was leaving.  There was no real discussion as I would have done the same thing and I couldn’t stop her from experiencing this first hand.

When Christine told me about her idea to blog about the experience I thought that would be a neat idea.  I decided to counter her blog.  I am a pretty involved Dad (at least I think so) so I am not worried about being alone with the kids.  I never thought of taking care of my kids as “babysitting” so this is not an issue for me.  I knew there would be logistical challenges, i.e. who cares for them while I am at work?  What if I get called into work?  We have a couple of these worked out and the rest will follow.  I am too laid back to stress out about it now.  (I will freak later.)

I had to learn our household bill arrangement.  Christine is the money person.  Now I am.  Scary, very scary.  As I learn it becomes less scary but I will never be totally comfortable with the financial side of things.

I know she will miss the kids but we will keep in touch.  Skype video chat is available as well as being able to call.  This blog thing might help with the distance as well.  If the kids don’t feel left out the will be better adjusted.  We have worked hard to raise independent, self confident and well adjusted kids.  I say two out of three ain’t bad!   They are good kids and are able to understand that Mom is only gone for a bit and that she will be back.

Christine will be surrounded by 30,000 people, many of them armed.  Danger is not my main concern.  Her feeling lonely or missing the kids ranks higher. 

I am jealous and wish I could go too!