My Stars

“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I cannot thank you all enough, for the support and love you have shown me through my blog.  Getting encouraging comments from people I’ve never met, but who have been in my shoes before, mean more to me than I could ever explain.  It definitely is a HUGE source of strength for me and you taking the time to write me a comment and send a hug via the internet truly touches my heart.  I am so thankful for all of you.

To those of you that I do know in person who have also sent virtual hugs and words of support and encouragement, you know how much I appreciate you, but I’ll say it again.  I couldn’t get through this nearly as easily without you all.  Thank you for remembering me even in the midst of your busy lives.  I really appreciate it.

And to my squadron friends:  I have never been around a group of girls that I feel so at home with.   Even when all of our husbands are gone or leaving, many of you still take the time to make sure everyone else is okay.  I’ve gotten so many emails and text messages from you ladies since Mark left and it is such a huge relief to know that I have so many fantastic people to turn to should I need anything.  I might not spend a lot of time with some of you, but there isn’t one person in the squadron that I don’t feel complete acceptance and friendship with when in their presence.  You ladies are absolutely amazing and I wish you all an wonderful (and speedy) summer, wherever you might be.

And Brittney, you get a thank you all to yourself.  (For those that don’t know, Brittney is my good friend, but her husband does a different job than Mark so she’s part of a different squadron.  We actually met online shortly after we got here almost  exactly a year ago and she has been SUCH an incredible friend to me.)  I seriously don’t know what I’d do without you.  You agreed to watch Abbie for me so I didn’t have to wake her up early to take Mark to base and you were there when I got home from saying goodbye to Mark.  You’ve kept me company and been my shoulder to lean on this week.  And you watched Abbie AGAIN for me so I could go to a coffee.  AND you and your hubby are watching my house and lawn for 6 months while we’re gone.  I know you keep saying “It’s nothing”, but really, that’s not “nothing”.  That is EVERYTHING to me and I can’t even express to you how thankful I am that God put you in my life.  I hope someday I can repay even half of the debt I owe you.  Thank you.

This week has, overall, been better than I was anticipating.  I think most of that is because everywhere I turn, I have supportive people contacting me and it truly does take some of the load off of me.  To know that I can tell it like it is on my blog and not have to sugar coat things and still have everyone be supportive is really wonderful.

The only time I have trouble holding it together is when I actually see Mark.  We’ve been able to FaceTime once and to see him in that uniform and silly hat just makes it seem more real I guess.  And when I gave Abbie her daddy doll…  That made me cry.  I got it on video and once I get back to the States I’ll post it.  She hasn’t put that thing down since she got it.  She won’t go to bed without it and she won’t GET out of bed without it.  It’s a hit.  Admittedly, I got myself one also, and I was going to leave it here when I go back to the States, but I think I’m going to take it as a back up incase something happens to Abbie’s.

Anyway, thanks again for all your support and encouragement.  It means the world to me.