Last Sunday.........

Ok, I am not going to make this too sad since we had a good day today.  But, this was our last Sunday at church as a family.  It was so sad to think that this was "it."  And, as many soldiers in the area are returning from their 12 month deployment, our rector, Father Mickey, asked "Is there anyone in the congregation that has just returned from a deployment?"  I had tears in my eyes...I wanted to jump up and say "NO, ERIC IS LEAVING!!!"  But, I couldn't because Eric was in the bathroom... Yes, he took the opportunity of the offering to relieve himself!  So, I kept my mouth shut...like he would want me to do...  But, after communion, I passed Fr. Mickey as he was returning up front from giving communion in the pews to an elderly congregant.  I said (very fast so Eric couldn't hear), "This is Eric's last Sunday service before leaving for Afghanistan."  When he returned to the front and had an appropriate time, he mentioned that he did not ask about anyone leaving.  And, it was brought to his attention that this was Eric's last Sunday.  People turned around with that look...You know the one... Oh, poor you...Oh, your poor family...How will they make it?  Didn't we just welcome him home a few months ago?  And, the tears began.  Not mine, but Eric's.  It was at that point that I realized he is leaving.  Really, he is leaving... He is going to miss 50 of the next 52 weeks... He will come home for his R and R at some point. (Probably July) Delaney looked over and said, "Daddy's crying."  I said, "Yes, honey, this is his last Sunday service."  Delaney responded, "Oh..." And, I shed a few tears.  After the service I was surrounded by many whom I know well and some I don't know as well.  All offered support and help in the next year.  This is what makes my church a church family.  I have many who will help me through this next year.  I have a wonderful set of sisters, brother and sister-in-law and  awesome parents.  I have great in-laws who would be here as quickly as they could in an emergency.  I have the support of MANY wonderful friends in Clarksville.  I know I can call on them day or night and they are there.  Most were there through the last deployment.  They know me well...  As I close, I want to look at all I have and not what I will be missing.  Each deployment changes the soldier, the spouse, and the children.  It makes an irreversible mark on the family unit.  I pray that I have the strength to be a good example to my children and keep their lives full of joy and  happiness.  May God bless every spouse that has had to go through this.