Ok, so I just have to vent about one of the things that drives me absolutely crazy while my husband is deployed...people trying to tell me their opinions on the war...
So today, it was a great day for August, not too hot or humid, but just right. So despite Evan's pleas to go to the mall and play at the play area, we stayed home and played outside. We were having a great time, drawing on the driveway, riding toy cars, playing in the sand and just hanging out. But then it happened...the neighbor across the street came out. I tried to avoid making eye contact as we rode the cars up and down the street, but it was bound to happen. The question came out "is your husband home now?". Ah, here it goes...
This wasn't my first run-in with him and these type of questions, so I knew where it was going. "No, he's in Kuwait this time" I said. So then I have to stand there with my kids and listen to how crazy it is that my husband didn't get to be home long in between deployments. Then he asked if I read the paper lately about "the plan" to get US troops out of Iraq. I wanted to say "no, I've never heard anything about it", but I didn't. So he continues on about the upcoming election. His opinion of who better get elected, who would be best for getting the troops back home, etc, etc, etc. All the time, I'm trying to be as polite as possible but make it obvious that I'm not interested...trying to play with the kids, telling them we need to be going inside in a minute, etc. But this guy just doesn't care. He kept talking and talking until I finally just had to start walking away and say I needed to get the kids fed so I could watch the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics (which I thought was great, by the way).
AHHHHHH...don't people realize that I'm not into talking politics and views on the war while I'm playing with my kids. I just want to enjoy a little time with them...and they shouldn't have to hear that you don't believe their daddy should be over there. Right now, we're dealing enough with "why daddy has to be gone", so they don't need to hear that you think its a waste. You're telling them that they are going without their daddy in their lives for no good reason. That's just too much for a little one to take in. I just wish people would realize that there are a lot of sides to this war and that no matter what I believe, my husband is there and that's that. I can't change it, so for now I just want to focus on getting him back home safely in a few months. Don't offer your opinion if I didn't ask for it, especially around my kids!!
I SO agree with you. My hubby is gone as well, and it's really hard on the boys and I. I do hate when people say, "Oh it will go by fast", ok so when does that start again?? It's been 6 months now, and it feels like a year. I don't think they mean harm. I just think that they don't THINK before they speak. People are quick to say what's on their mind without thinking about how other people may feel. They haven't been where we are, so it's hard for them to really know; but they can try. Thanks for your post.
Posted by: The truth | August 13, 2008 at 08:37 PM
I understand where you are coming from. My son is leaving for BCT in a week and I am already tired of hearing "you realize that as soon as he finishes basic he will be in Iraq." I always smile and say "yes that is a strong possibility but we will deal with that when it happens." When all I really want to do is say "Thank you a@@*%!#, tell me something I don't already know and worry about 24 hours a day." People are so inconsiderate.
Tami
Posted by: Tami Watson | August 11, 2008 at 10:59 PM
devildog6771, you are so right. Another thing that ticks me off is when I tell others how long my husband has left in this deployment is: "that's great, the next couple of months will go by fast. Hello!!!!!! The past 10 months have not sailed by, what the heck makes you think the next 2 will?!?
It really irritates me, I know people mean well, but they need to stop and think before they speak.....
Posted by: ritzywife | August 11, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Great post, PM. Maybe what these people ought to do is ask you if there is some small way they could help make things easier for you and your kids while that soldier of yours is away protecting our rights and freedoms. I have found a simple "thank you" goes a long way!
Of course you might need something small fixed on that darn lawnmower, help with your car, help moving that big branch that fell in the yard during the last storm, or countless other little things that crop up that are just a "tad" difficult for you with all the other responsibilities you are now shouldering so that guy of yours can serve and protect with the p0eace of mind inn knowing his family is OK!
Just a thought!
Posted by: devildog6771 | August 11, 2008 at 11:01 AM
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 08/11/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2008/08/from-front-08112008.html
Posted by: David M | August 11, 2008 at 09:36 AM