Deployment…. the dreaded deployment.
My first deployment is a whirl of a memory for me. I remember all these emotions that I went through, and with each following deployment, it all has come screaming back to me. I tried to be prepared, researched the crap out of everything I could get my hands on, and asked every fellow MILSO around what to expect. So here is what I would say are the “average” deployment stages: summed up by GIFs. Each one lasts a different length depending on the deployment, but maybe some comedic relief will help to put it all in perspective.
Orders come in
Once those orders are in hand, the preparations begins….then the stress sets in. And this can turn everything into a fight! And I mean everything!
Now all of a sudden, you start feeling like everything they do is annoying, or that they don’t care. Trust me….it happens to even the strongest of us.
Attached at the Hip
then you all of a sudden can’t get enough of them. You realize that the time is short and soon they won’t be around and so you become a mush-ball of love and cuddles.
All….The…Feels
Tears, tears and more tears. You will wonder how it is possible for even the most simple things to make you cry!
Your SO starts packing his bag? Tears.
Family outing for some fun? Cue the waterworks.
Cute old couple comments how you have your hands full?
There is no way around this one.
Be a Master MILSO
Deployment has started and you are determined to rock it with every fiber of your being. Kids, job, social life, self-care – You got this!
First Letter!
No need for explanation!
When You Miss a Phone/Skype Call
Seriously, you put the phone down for 5 seconds!
Care Packages Take Over Your life!
You start off strong and are so proud. Halfway box done and it kicks A!
But then the requests take over, you start seeing what other MILSOs are doing and you end up knee deep in bubble wrap trying to fill out the customs forms and the post office employees ask you how your 3rd grader did on her spelling bee.
Murphy’s Law Happens
You better believe that Murphy’s Law is real.
The car will break down, there will be an epidemic of sickness through your entire house, and at least one major appliance will need to be replaced.
Just embrace it….for it??
Longest Deployment Ever
It’s the last month and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But the last month is as LOOOOONG AF. You’re ready for this deployment to be over. But nope, there is still more time.
It’s like the last month of pregnancy….it does not have 30 days like every normal month: it has 1,376 days. It makes no sense, but it’s true. And it doesn’t help when you are asked daily “are you still waiting??”
You got the call – he is coming home!
Time to prep! You need to get shit done.
You need to finish that series that your SO won’t like. You start to wonder where all the crap from your house came from and you pile it all for Goodwill. There is some level of personal grooming that has been neglected. And those munchkins you call children should probably be back on a schedule.
Cue the frantic purging, scrubbing, outfit picking (thanks Amazon), and last minute appointments!
Homecoming!
You did it! They are home safe and sound. Hugs, kisses, and some between the sheet time is right around the corner. You can finally breathe again, the deployment is DONE!
Well…at least until the next one!
