It's FINALLY March! That long-awaited month before the return of our loved ones - the majority of them anyway.
I hope this has time hasn't been too difficult for you? It's strange though, isn't it, when our lives take on this familiar/different pace? Ours is measured by "The Deployment" - Is it near the middle yet? Will I miss his phone call if I go to the store? Why even clean up the house today, whose here to see it anyway? Did I make the right decision about the car, the house, the move - whatever? Etc. etc. etc. But it's a common bond we all share, and a common goal - to live victoriously through "The Deployment" . . . and as we look BACK on the whole experience - hopefully - having become a better person once we're united again.
Now we face the daunting task of reuniting after a life that has been put on hold . . .
for almost a year. For some, more daunting than for others, I know! Yet, no matter what, it is an adjustment - for all concerned! So, here is a little reminder of a few reunion basics:
Best rule of thumb -TAKE IT SLOW!!!
Soldiers
• Take time to listen and talk.
• Make time for each child and for your spouse.
• Support the good things your family has done.
• Remember - romantic conversation can make
re-entering love relations easier.
• Manage money carefully.
• Don’t overdo the “reunion parties.”
Spouses
• Avoid a busy schedule.
• Go slowly in making adjustments.
• Remind your spouse that they are still needed.
• Discuss division of the family chores.
• Stick to a budget until you have time to talk
about money matters.
• Make time to be alone with your spouse.
• Be patient in rebuilding your relationship.
Children
• Slowly resume the old rules and routines.
• Be available to your child, with time and
emotions.
• Let the child be the first to renew the bond.
• Expect some changes in your child.
• Focus on successes; limit criticisms.
• Encourage your child to tell you everything that
happened while you were away
EXPECTATIONS FOR SOLDIERS
• Even though you may want to talk about your
experiences, your family may not.
• Roles may have changed with regard to basic chores and household duties.
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Think every morning when the sun peeps through
The dim, leaf-latticed windows of the grove
How jubilant the happy birds renew
Their old melodious madrigals of love;
And when you think of this, remember too,
'Tis always morning somewhere, and above
The wakening continents, from shore to shore,
Somewhere the birds are singing evermore.
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
Blessings,
Tamera
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