10 Experiences That Occur When Your Partner is Deployed

Pregnant woman bellyhome insemination kit

In the realm of military life, the deployment of a spouse can lead to a myriad of unexpected challenges and experiences. While I haven’t viewed “American Sniper,” the reality of my husband, a skilled Apache pilot affectionately known as “Blaze,” being deployed in the Middle East has prompted me to ponder the realities that come with his absence. Here’s a look at ten things you might encounter when your partner is away for an extended period.

  1. Nighttime Noises Become Terrifying: In a household with kids and pets, every sound at night can trigger a surge of panic. With the children seeking comfort in your bed or bathroom, the realization that it’s not a child making noise, but rather your mischievous dog who has escaped his crate, can lead to some humorous yet alarming moments. Expect to tiptoe into the dark only to find your canine friend engaging in the most unexpected antics.
  2. DIY Repairs Become Essential: During deployment, you may find yourself confronted with home repairs that require immediate attention, such as a leaking toilet. While it’s not the most glamorous task, you might discover that a little ingenuity (and superglue) goes a long way in maintaining your household.
  3. Public Meltdowns: When juggling multiple responsibilities, children may choose the most inconvenient times to express their emotions. You might find yourself in a crowded store, hands full, while your child throws an epic tantrum. Yes, you may resort to unconventional measures to keep everything together, and judgment from onlookers is just part of the experience.
  4. Intrusive Questions: Friends and acquaintances may ask probing questions about your partner’s deployment, often without understanding the emotional toll it can take. The well-meaning inquiries can become overwhelming, leading you to fabricate responses just to avoid the uncomfortable reality of your situation.
  5. Creativity in Care Packages: To combat homesickness, you might tap into your creative side and start crafting care packages. Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, the desire to send a piece of home can inspire you to explore the aisles of craft stores, channeling your inner Martha Stewart as you fill boxes with goodies and heartfelt notes.
  6. Health Emergencies: The stress of managing everything on your own can take a toll on your health. You might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, convinced you’re suffering from a severe illness, only to realize it’s just a bad case of nerves or a stomach bug.
  7. Promised Support: Friends may promise to help during your spouse’s absence when they’re enjoying drinks at a farewell gathering. However, once deployment begins, their availability may dwindle, leaving you wondering where everyone went as you tackle home improvement projects solo.
  8. Weather Challenges: Extreme weather can add another layer of complexity to your situation. With blizzards and ice storms in full force, you may find yourself shoveling snow or de-icing your vehicle while feeling under the weather.
  9. Embracing Technology: Video calls become your lifeline. The awkwardness of seeing your unkempt self on screen diminishes as you cherish the moments spent connecting with your partner, no matter the time zone differences.
  10. Cultivating Patience and Faith: Periods of silence may stretch on as you wait for updates from your deployed spouse. In these moments, the fear of hearing bad news can be overwhelming, yet faith in their safety becomes a source of strength.

These experiences are just the beginning of what you might learn throughout a deployment. The trials of managing a household alone can lead to significant personal growth and resilience, even if it comes with its share of mishaps.

For those navigating similar situations, it’s important to remember that support is available, whether through community connections or resources like this informative guide on pregnancy and home insemination.

In the end, while the absence of Blaze for the next 343 days is challenging, I take comfort in knowing he will return to help with everything, including the cat litter box!


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *