We're living in fast forward. Every day is packed. Not necessarily for me or the kids, but for him. We keep our calendar open and on the counter throughout the day. We try to memorize the next few days in advance so nothing is missed. We have training schedules taped to our refrigerator. We need to sync our phone calendars. We catch up on his break over the phone. I expect him home around 4:00 pm, he consistently swings in around midnight or later. Last night after a 15 hour shift I felt his exhausted body fall into bed next to mine. Our bedroom is full of gear. My one-year-old can identify more tactical gear than most grownups. Sometimes we leave church early to catch a few minutes with him at work. The girls love it. The stories are better than ever. I love it. Going to parties alone is normal. I'm becoming more independent by the hour. I still need him. Movies nights turn into hour long phone calls and text message battles. Becoming mission ready takes precedent over everything. Someday the craziness will end, maybe we'll have a normal schedule. But for now this is our life and I wouldn't want it any other way.
To see the sanctification on his face, to hear the excitement in his voice. It's more than worth it. When we are alone together the whole world stops and it's perfect. I'm grateful for this time no matter how short it may be or what will come next.
"I pray they'll understand,
underneath that badge there is a man.
A man who has a wife.
A man who is my life." ~Melissa Littles
