Email   Print   Share By Nicole Griffin, 1st Cav. Div. spouse

Facebook Digg Delicious April 16, 2009 | Living

I am an Army spouse. I have two children one of which was born two weeks before my husband deployed. My husband is currently serving in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division, and at any given moment I can tell you precisely how many days, hours and even minutes are remaining in his deployment thanks to the countdown clock on my desktop.

When I first learned of my husband’s deployment I was worried as any wife would be, but the added stress of the knowledge that we were to have another child so close to his deployment date was almost unbearable. Here I was in a place I was totally unfamiliar with. And the fact that Fort Hood is the largest military installation in the country only added to my anxiety. I was thinking things like, “Will I be able to find the commissary and the pediatrician?”

I felt overwhelmed. But, the day came for my Family to say our “see ya laters” as my husband prepared to board his plane. I remember standing in the parking lot thinking, “How am I going to do this on my own?”

Luckily for me, it wasn’t long before I was receiving e-mails and phone calls from Family, friends, and our Family Readiness Group. And, of course, the long-awaited phone call from my husband when he arrived in Kuwait safely. Having support from people who care about you during a deployment is essential in my opinion.

And it wasn’t long before I got into a routine with the children, school and appointments, and all the things that come with being a mom and a wife.

I have to say that the things I was once worried about, like raising two children on my own for a year, have turned out to be the biggest blessings. Having my newborn especially has kept me on my toes and kept me so busy that time just seems to be flying by.

Although my husband can’t be here, thankfully I get calls from him whenever he has the chance, and e-mails back and forth have been a great way to stay connected. Fort Hood, being the largest military installation in the country, has so much to offer Families.

We have found many great activities available on post and made great friends. At every FRG meeting I’ve attended, there has been an opportunity for spouses to sign their children up for activities or even child care through programs like Child, Youth and School Services.

So, all in all, deployments can be difficult but with every challenge comes an opportunity to learn about yourself and realize what you are really capable of.