HOMECOMING
When John left for deployment I wrote this list on my studio wall:
Breathe
Eat
Sleep
Go to the gym
Paint
During the beginning part of deployment this list is very important. You have to go down the checklist everyday. Then you get into the swing of things and the list becomes a natural part of your day. But you're also counting mile markers...
Your guy misses birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, openings, vacations and the everyday cup of coffee at the kitchen table.
Now, this isn't to say that you don't have any good times while he's away. I mean, what choice do you have? Life still must go on and you have to take care of yourself. Plus, you're proud of the work and you believe in good citizenship. And alone time is good!—though deployment can really test the truth in those words ;)
Then comes the call that he's out of the war zone. Big sigh of relief. Just a few more weeks and he'll be home.
And finally! I get the call "do you want to have lunch tomorrow?"
