He's Okay....

Granted I am still new to this Army life as my husband has only been gone 5 weeks (I say only because I know it isn't that long, until someone you love is in BCT and almost all communication is cut off). I am just one Army wife so you can take these posts with a grain of salt if you would like, but this blog is based on my individual experiences and feelings, keep that in mind!

I know it is so hard to be without your husband, to wait and wait for letters and receive very few because they are so busy by the time they are done training they are too tired to even pick up that pen and write their loved ones a letter. It's even harder to carry your phone with you EVERYWHERE you go and yet your phone doesn't ring or if it does it's someone stupid like a telemarketer. You hear that phone ring and get so excited even though you don't recognize the number you hope it's your husband calling from another soldier's phone and then when you answer it and don't hear his voice on the other end, your heart breaks a little. I also know what it is like to constantly worry that they are okay. By nature I worry so him being gone has been so hard. When he got on the plane and was hours before he called I was thinking, "OMG I hope he is okay and his plane didn't crash"! Yes, I worry that much!!!!! But here is the thing, although it is natural to worry and to wonder is he okay? Is he getting enough sleep? Is he eating? Is he losing weight? Can he really do this? Is he physically and mentally strong to handle basic combat training? You have to remember he is okay and he can do this because he is ARMY STRONG!!! Yes, he is probably more exhausted physically and mentally than he has ever been in his life, but this experience will make him stronger and teach him things like how to be respectful, how to handle tough situations, and how to become a solider. Although, at first he may hate it and may wonder if he really has what it takes, and if he is strong enough to handle this, don't worry HE CAN DO IT. At first he will be exhausted and that may last throughout his whole training, he maybe be broken inside and as his wife that will break your heart too. But he knew what he was signing up for but they don't really realize what they are getting themselves into until they are finally there. You have to know that although the army will break them down, they will also build them up and make them better and stronger men in the process. When my husband left for BCT he said to me, "I won't be the same person when I come back!" And he is right he won't we will be more disciplined and stronger and I look forward to all the stories he will tell me about his training and the bonds he made with fellow soldiers :)

But here is the thing....although it's natural to worry you have to remember that they are okay even if you don't get very many phone calls, or letters or pictures...THEY ARE OKAY!!!! You have to have not only FAITH in them but also the Army to train them and turn them into soldiers. They are going to do things that worry us like climbing the Eagle Tower, or going in the gas chamber or using a real gun but as long as they listen to the DS's and do as they are told they aren't in any real danger. I see mothers and wives constantly worried about their SIT (Soldier in Training) and you have to know he is okay and be strong for him. He isn't the only one who is changed by this experience you are too! You are not only his wife but his cheerleader too! You have to constantly tell him he can do this and that you are proud of him, he needs to know he has your support. This isn't an easy time for them and sometimes they aren't emotionally strong so we have to be strong for them even when we feel weak!

They may have to climb the Eagle Tower even though they are afraid of heights. They might have to sleep outside when it's cold with snow or ice on the ground (as the south this year has had some crazy weather). They are cut off from all communication from the outside world and all those they love, this is why your letters are so important to them. They might have to eat food that is gross, they may even get slightly injured but YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!! THEY WILL SURVIVE!!!! Because they really don't have any other choice. When you receive that first letter they may tell you they are having mixed feelings or don't think they can do this. When you receive that first phone call they may sound awful from all the shots, sleep deprivation, and may even be sick but you can't being weak, this is when they need you to be strong for the both of you! This experience will not only make him army strong, but will make you army strong as well!

What I am trying to say (painfully slow apparently) is even though it's hard to see now he CAN and WILL do this, and YOU will too! The army will not put him in harm's way, they are there to train them not to hurt them. And this is only the beginning because one day they may have to deploy and they may be in real danger because rest assure he is in BCT right now to train him and to teach him how to stay safe and how to keep his fellow soldiers safe! Stay strong, do not fall apart because this is just the beginning and the fear, the worry, the heartache will only multiply as he leaves BCT and becomes a soldier. You have to be strong and in a way you never have been before, but YOU can do this and so can HE! Army is not for the faint of heart and not everyone can do it, but I believe you can and will!

Remember this is what he wants to do, and he can do it and he will be transformed into a beautiful solider (I know my husband says men can't be beautiful but I don't always listen to him and this we do not agree on).

Remember the Soldier's creed this is who your husband is now and although it is scary it's amazing the pride you feel for your husband because you realize he is stronger than you ever realized!!!!

I am an American soldier.

I am a warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American soldier.

I don't know about you but reading that gives me chills, fills me with immense pride and I am confident that my husband is ARMY STRONG and he can do this because the Army is teaching him how to become and live the soldier life. Try not to worry too much and know he is okay. I know it isn't easy but everything he is going through is making him stronger and you too!!!

ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ARE ARMY STRONG!!!!!!