(This is Meredith)
You know, Katrina, I don't think we ever really feel connected and together when we're apart no matter what we do. We try, of course, but whenever one of us is away, I feel out of sync and disconnected. And I hate it.
Thankfully, we're not usually separated for very long stretches of time. When we are though, we usually talk and text throughout the day. That helps me feel a little more in touch. So does email. So do little notes tucked away in places that we'll discover later.
I have friends whose husbands travel all the time for work and other friends who have endured their husband's very long deployments. Honestly, I can't imagine how hard that must be. I know they Skype and email and talk a lot, but it's still got to be emotionally tough.
I wish I had more encouragement for you, Katrina. I definitely think we try to make the most of the time before and after we're apart though. If John or I know we're going to be gone, we try to plan a date around that time. I was gone a couple of weekends ago and it was very nice to meet John for lunch a few days later and have time for "just the two of us" to catch up. Because as much as we miss each other when we're apart, our kids miss us too! We usually need to reconnect as a family first, and then as a couple.
Here are a couple ideas for helping kids feel connected when a parent is away. I don't think to do this as much now that my kids are older (and can send their dad a text or a photo right away) as much as I did when they were younger.
1. Set out a small basket and place items in it to show dad/mom when they return. [School papers, artwork, small gifts, coupons for extra hugs/kisses, etc].
2. Make a simple paper chain for the number of days that dad/mom will be gone. Tear one off every day as you count down to their homecoming.
3. Make a "What We Did While You Were Gone" book/journal. My kids did this a couple of summers ago while John was at a conference in Santa Fe. They each wrote a sentence or two, and drew a picture of something fun we did each day, then read through it with their dad when he got back home.
(This is John, the husband)
This is a great question. Most of our times apart are relatively short in duration, so I’ll answer from that perspective. And Meredith is very verbal, so her answer will differ from mine…I’m not so verbal. I don’t know how many of you ladies are Willie Nelson fans; if you’re not, you might consider it. I believe one of Willie’s songs is applicable here – Always On My Mind. Although ‘staying connected’ may seem easier than ever these days via email, skype, text, etc., I don’t always feel that keeps Meredith on my mind. It’s only my opinion, but I wonder sometimes if those technological wonders actually create faux connection…I don’t believe talking is always thinking.
Never underestimate the power of symbols, pictures, drawings, trinkets and notes, little things to focus your thoughts/feelings. Two quick stories, alright?
1. When I hiked the Grand Canyon, I kept a picture of Mer and the kids in my backpack. I pulled that picture out numerous times over the course of that trip, each time reconnecting myself to them, keeping them on my mind. Think about those soldiers in WWII who kept pictures of their best girl in a cameo frame…powerful stuff, sometimes literally keeping a wounded man alive.
2. I wear my wedding ring on my right hand (story for another time), but I have a tendency to rub that ring many times in a day. Each time I do, I think about Meredith, no kidding. It functions for me much like a rosary bead, reminding me of her, keeping her on my mind.
(This is Meredith)
Awwww, how sweet is he? John found this pic last night and we both thought it was HILARIOUS!
8 comments:
I love that your differences lead you to feeling connected in different ways.
You're verbal...so the "talking" helps.
He's not...so the "on the mind" helps.
Good stuff, you guys. Good good stuff.
I tend to agree with that technology stuff does seem faux sometimes.
Love the always on my mind (which I totally am a willie fan!) When someone has been on your mind, it makes the homecoming so much more exciting. :)
Thanks guys...I know I don't have a lot to complain about because of the wives/husbands away on deployment...BUT I do believe that I when I am used to having my husband around and then he is away for Medical Rotations that are away for 4 weeks at a time AND I have a little toddler it just gets crazy sometimes. I know we have it easier with Skype, e-mail, phone calls and such but sometimes I don't feel like that we are connecting on any level (so I'm glad that sometimes I'm not the only one that is totally off)
I'm gonna agree with John when he says that talking is not always connecting. BFF and I talk a lot more now that I've entered the texting-nation, but we don't see each other as much and I'm beginning to feel like we've lost something.
Thankfully my husband has not entered the 21st century so we're still communicating the old-fashioned way: during commercials.
You guys are really, really sweet. I can't wait to hear the "wedding ring on the right hand" story.
Ok John, Mer knows...you can't just leave me hanging! I gotta know the "right hand" story!!
As for staying connected, it's definitely tough...especially in the midst of deployments. At the present moment, I haven't seen my husband, not even on webcam, since January 4. I read the two letters I've received EVERY night and fall asleep staring at his picture. It's important to keep him on my mind, in my heart, and I write him every Wednesday...no matter what...to let him know that I miss him and love him and can't wait for him to be home! 8 more months to go!
And now I want to know why John wears his ring on his right hand.
Isn't it cool to see the way each of you feels connected? That makes me feel like even if Big isn't talking to me, he's at least thinking of me. And he rubs his ring all the time. I now refuse to believe it's just a nervous habit. :)
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