The Art of Saying Goodbye

One of my friends made a request that I talk a little more about being an Army wife and some of what that entails.  With Phil leaving for Oklahoma and Captains Career Course, it gives me the time to reflect on what it means to say goodbye to the one you love.  Now this time is COMPLETELY different! I'll be able to call, text and video chat Phil whenever I want (that is a luxury of being apart that we have not known before).

Phil and I met in college when we were both seniors: he was in ROTC and I was an Education major. He left for BOLC in Oklahoma a week after graduation.  This was our first time learning how to deal with separation.  If I am being quite honest, it wasn't all that bad: he was in Oklahoma which was an hour behind me time-wise and I was working my summer job and preparing for grad school in the upcoming fall.  I went and visited him a couple of times (that's also where we got engaged) and it was good!

When he PCS'd to Colorado, I met him out here shortly after he got set up.  In that short amount of time, we explored some hiking trails and got a puppy all before he deployed for the first time to Afghanistan.  This was a whole new experience for both of us: the unknown, the nerves, the fear, and the pride all wrapped up in a very interesting bow.

Baby Max

Pre-deployment photo (I actually managed to smile...I was proud of that!)

After he returned in November of 2014, we actually had a year together!  And in that time, we got to plan our wedding and get married! Then in February of 2016, he deployed again and this time was doing ten months in Kosovo.

Saying goodbye is never easy, it hurts and it's tough.  But, it has also taught me many things: how to be independent, find my way around places ( I am geographically challenged), I will never be a good electrician, rely on friends and family, and how to be happy without Phil.  As we prepare to say goodbye again tomorrow, I feel those familiar heavy sigh type feelings, but I also remember that I will see him in a few months and that I am proud of him and all of the things he/we have accomplished at our first duty station.

I think Dr. Seuss said it best: "Don't be sad it's over, be glad it happened" and I think that is key for saying goodbye: don't dwell that it's over, relish in the time you had.  Time is one of the most valuable things we have, and why waste the time we have being sad?  Appreciate the time you have and the time you spent.

Have a Happy Week everyone!

Linking up with Bianca!