She knew the day was coming when she married him. In fact, she knew it long before she even fell in love. Nevertheless, in she fell. Some might even accuse her of taking a big flying leap. Love is like that, after all. You don’t get to ignore it just because it comes in an unexpected package.
Hers came wrapped in fatigues.
To be honest, it kind of surprised me. She has always been just a tad of a control freak and a life planner. I would have expected the letters ROTC to send her running for the hills, but as I said, love generally gets its way.
So does Uncle Sam.
And so, little more than a year into The Great Marriage Adventure, the newlywed niece finds herself flying solo again. And her better half? He’s trading the southern comfort of the Georgia Love Shack for some sort of dwelling in the desert.
He’ll be gone for the next 396 days, but who’s counting?
She is.
And we are. I wouldn’t want to give the man a big head or anything, but we’ve grown accustomed to his face. Sunday was lonelier without him. Oh sure, we had a little more elbow room in the family pew and about a half dozen extra dinner rolls at the family table, but we’d much rather scooch together and share.
So would she. That's why she's counting.
So would she. That's why she's counting.
She's counting on the days to go by quickly,
the husband to come home safely,
but mostly on God
to be in control of the whole thing.
And even more, for the folks for whom those ribbons are tied.
*****
Sharing this at Finding Heaven
*****
Sharing this at Finding Heaven
37 comments:
Gee, Debbie... I knew when I saw the title of this post that I'd be crying before the end. You know I've already been praying for the newlywed niece and her favorite fatigue wearer, but you well-written, touching, and "tangible" post brings back my own memories of watching my daughter fall in love with a to-be military man ... the engagement during leave ... the wedding two weeks after returning from Iraq ... and the past five years of marriage -- and deployments and uncertainty and prayers (so many prayers!). I'm sad to say I never gave a lot of though to the sacrifice military families make when I wasn't "one of them." NEVER AGAIN! I'm praying God's blessings, hugs, and protection for this dear young couple while they're apart -- and for their family as you each in your own way wrap your arms around both of them (near and far) with love. The reunion will be sweet!
Debbie, this is so sweet and touching. It's ironic you should write this because we met a young married military couple this weekend while my husband and I were vacationing. They were staying at the same small B & B in the mountains that we were, and they're both in the army, stationed at Fort Bragg. Honestly, they didn't look old enough to be out of college.
They met in college, as a matter of fact, at Appalachian State University, and after college, they enlisted. She's from a very small town in North Carolina, and he's from Minnesota. Such a cute couple!!
He's already been in Afghanistan for a while, and is training to be in the Special Forces. They are hoping to have their first baby within the next year. When they first told us they were in the military, I immediately thanked them for serving our country. Later, another guest did the same thing.
I will be thinking of them and praying for their safety in the coming months, and I pray for your niece and her husband as well. Thanks for sharing this story with us!
Denise
As soon as I saw that opening picture, I knew there would be tears streaming down my face. I was right. This sappy ole mother-in-law could not love a young man more. We are so VERY proud of him and his sweet young wife who awaits his return. I wish I could relate to this situation, but we didn't have a lot of wars to tend when I was her age. We will help them as best as we can with all our love, support and prayers.
Thanks for this dear sweet post to a special young couple. (I'm only a bit prejudiced!)
Bless her heart! Tell her I will be praying for her and her sweet Hubby. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to have a husband overseas! My heart is breaking for them both. Let her know how thankful we are for his service and for her too. I'll be praying!
Debbie,
What a sweet post to your special neice and nephew. I always say thank you whenever I see military men and women for their service to our country. I know God will hold this couple in His hands for the duration.
~Jean
I remember you mentioned this briefly in a post a couple of months back............funny thing about time, .....sending prayers your way. I am grateful for men and women who serve God, and their country. Blessings to you and your whole family, Debbie. xo,
This is so sad but am so proud of them also. Since my son became a Marine I have a new understanding of our Military families....This was well written also.
Oh I am tying a yellow ribbon in my thoughts and prayers also....and for so many who are going through the same. One of our friends' first born leaves next week, and then another...this mom's heart aches. I am also so proud of all that have been called to this and also for their families...so thank you to all of you!
Dearest Debbie,
This was so heartwarming - and yet, so bittersweet. Oh, I can tell how much this dear young man is loved - both by the Newlywed Niece, and his newlywed family. I think I'm going to be doing some counting, too.
Please convey to him how grateful I am for his love for our country, and his dedication to serving it in the cause of freedom. I am proud of him, and touched deeply by his commitment and sacrifice. And please tell dear Newlywed Niece, that she will not be far from my thoughts and prayers over this next year. She will not pray alone.
Blessings on all of you - and may we cling to the only One who was ever able to walk on water through the storm.
GOD BLESS!
Goodness 396 days is an awful long time! I'll be adding him and the Newlywed Niece to my prayers.
Where's the kleenex?
Somebody get me a kleenex.
Praying that while he's gone, she will be blessed with peace and comfort from the real joy giver!! Sweet, sweet post!!!
God bless you all, Debbie! As a new MIL to a young Army Reservist who is presently away for two weeks, as well as being an "old" wife to a now retired Air Force pilot, I know all too well what your family is going through.
One piece of advice, don't get too set on a return date. It can change.
Other than that, send him lots of things from home. Any little thing can make a huge difference.
As for the newlywed niece of yours, keep her busy - especially on important dates in their life.
Cheers,
Ann
I pray for his safe return. I pray that God works in their marriage in a deep and moving way, despite the distance between them. I pray that the days would pass quickly, that he would return early, that Jesus would always be the center.
Debbie:
Praying for him and the others, while giving thanks for their service to our country.
I'll be singing that song now! I'm sure when Tony Orlando first sang it, he didn't have any idea how much it would come to mean for our military.
Blessings,
Joan
396 days is a long, long time when you are waiting at home... or when you are away from your family and your country. I'll be praying a special prayer for your family, Debbie. Please thank them for their service and their sacrifice for me. Thank you for this heartfelt expression... it touched our hearts, too. blessings ~ tanna
Will pray for his safe return and that the time will pass quickly.
I didn't know who you were talking about until I read some of the comments.
I am sure your niece is counting the days for her guy to come home.
God take care of him.
Ah! My heart goes out to her and all the other brave men and women out there who send their loved ones off to face the unknown. I will say a prayer for this family as well!
Such a sacrifice this young couple is making for our country. Please tell her thank you from my family.
Fondly,
Glenda
I can just imagone how your niece is feeling right now. I hope her hubby's safe and that God takes good care of him....Christine
Bless you as you wait. May the Lord protect the man body, soul, and spirit. May the Lord be all and all to the woman who waits. May their reunion be sweet and permanent.
Remembering the days I used to count, too.
Glad your trip to the hills on your last visit with me was a blessing - be sure to shoes with good traction.
Love you!
Kathy
So many prayers with their names.. and for your family for strength. Praying for safety... xo marlis
Oh this is truly beautiful on so many levels but just for the record
in Arkansas we spell "s c o o t c h" like this--
well, shame on me--I just looked it up and I guess I have been misspelling it all these years--LOL--one of my favorite words--
You share this story so beautifully. It must be so difficult...praying for your niece - and you, your nephew, and all who he is fighting for. Right now, lifting it up.
I send my prayers and my gratitude to this young man, and to all of you who love him.
Blessings, Debbie
Praying for your nephew and your niece. That really is a LONG time away. I sure am glad that she has her family near her at this time.
Beautiful Post! :)
What a wonderful post, Thank him for his service, and your niece for her support of a fabulous (Biscuit eating) Defender of our country. 396 days!! Bless him and God speed!
Carol
Debbie,
God bless the two of them! Beautiful.
I salute all of those who serve, and all of those who tie yellow ribbons and wait.
This must be one of the hardest waits ever
It is so fortunate that she has you for support and comfort.
We pray daily for all of those defending our country, but I too have grown attached to this one. I've watched him remodel the shack, kick ice-cream in a can, and will tie one up for your whole family...that's almost become an extension of mine.
Debbie, this is such a touching post. So many share your sentiments. Our nephew is overseas serving his country and his wife and two kids along with the entire family prays for a safe return. I am saying a prayer now for your family and all the ones who have "tied the yellow ribbon" for their loved one. Blessings!
What a beautiful tribute to the ones who serve our country. And it is not only the military who serve, but the wives as well. Praying for them and please tell them thank you from me for what they do.
Believe me, I understand those ribbons. My favorite cousin has been there three times. I just prayed for his safety and for your whole family to be held in the arms of the Lord.
Beautiful piece, Debbie, beautiful.
XO,
Sheila :-)
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