Thursday, December 28, 2006

Captain's Log Stardate 12-28-06 . . . this is the maiden voyage of the blog site "MrsDub". It's one year mission (or whenever I get tired) is to try to keep up with my better half (a/k/a SgtDub), who is currently stationed in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. SgtDub's been posting for some time now and has a fairly large fan base. He's even been picked "Bestest Blog of the Day". I thought perhaps I might post a few comments from the military spouse's point-of-view. This is our second deployment, and hopefully our last. SgtDub's been gone this time since February 2006 and we're hoping to be reunited sometime this summer. SgtDub's hoping to be home before July 4th, so that he can play with fireworks. Many counties in our state have outlawed fireworks inside the city limits, but our little corner of the world still allows and encourages fireworks. In fact, there is a fireworks warehouse on the outskirts of town and people come from all over to make their purchaes. Funny thing is, the warehouse sits right on the county line and if you turn left after making your purchase, the local police departments are there to escort you back across the road (after seizing your purchase and imposing a penalty). I don't know that for sure, but since SgtDub is a police officer in his "normal" job, he's spoken before of having to apprehend fleeing felons who are transporting illegal fireworks. He also has trouble with people stealing beer and donuts. I will now try to find a topic and stick to it. A little background on me (and my family) . . . I'm 40 something, work outside the home, have a 13 year old daughter (MissDub), been happily married to SgtDub for 15 years (officially on New Year's Eve). We live on 5 acres in the "burbs" and have 2 horses, 2 dogs and 2 cats. Although all pets belong to our daughter, I am the official caretaker (i.e., feeding, scooping the liter box, etc.) The arrangement with MissDub is that I feed in the morning and she feeds in the evenings - although this rarely works out, and I get stuck with the chores. We moved to the "burbs" two years ago, just after SgtDub returned from his first deployment. Had I known he would be going back to Afghanistan, I would have thought long and hard about being stuck in the boonedocks with a bunch of animals and lots of grass to mow. He did at least buy me a used riding lawnmower before he left (thanks honey). MissDub and I have managed so far thanks to the help of family, friends and good neighbors. One neighbor in particular is priceless! He keeps an eye on our place and lends a hand when needed. We are very grateful for his help while SgtDub is away. My parents (Nana & Papa) are also priceless. They still live "in town", but are always there for us when needed. They help out with MissDub, invite us to dinner and provide moral support. I also have terrific support from my girlfriends and co-workers. I have a very exciting job, but can't disclose what it is - let's just say it's never a dull moment. Since SgtDub's been gone, I have had to learn to do a lot of things on my own. My biggest fear was hooking up the horse trailer and actually hauling the horses to the areana. I was very independent when SgtDub and I first married, but I quickly decided that life is easier when I let him handle things. I discovered quickly during our first deployment that I had to be responsible again and it was up to me to keep our family operating on a day-to-day basis (paying bills, making repairs (hiring them done), keeping MissDub in line and most importantly, keeping SgtDub encouraged that we were fine. This is the hard part -- while you want your soldier to feel comforted that the family is doing fine, you don't want them to ever feel like they're not needed. It was ackward at first when SgtDub returned home - as he was trying to resume his role as head of the household - it's hard to give up control and it's hard to step up and assume control. But he did, and we did, and we're all stronger because of it. The separation is difficult, but we are fortunate to talk by phone twice daily and email on a regular basis. I cannot imagine what it was like for past generations during war time. Sending your solider off to battle and not hearing from them for months or years and the fear of not knowing how they are and relying solely on a letter. I have no complaints about being a military spouse. The military's been good to our family and has provided (and continues to provide) an education for SgtDub, good pay and good benefits. This has not always been the case with the military and I am so glad to see people supporting our Troops (even if you don't agree with the war), it's our duty to keep the home fires burning and encourage our soldiers that what they're doing is making a difference. I'm proud to be an American, I'm proud to be an Okie, I'm proud to be MrsDub and I'm especially proud of SgtDub for his willingness to serve his country -- sleep well - SgtDub's got your back!

11 comments:

Dean aka Sgt Dub said...

When was I ever in charge? Great post, you may steal my thunder soon. I love you too. mushy mushy, huggy huggy, kissy kissy, sorry folks, had to go there.

The Sil said...

It is frightening at times, feeling like the entire world is on your shoulders. The flip side is that you learn how well you can do things on your own, and makes you proud of yourself and your acomplishments. You should be very proud of the way you are handling things and I think you are doing a better job than I did. :-) You are a strong woman and I'm proud of you!

I think that sometimes people forget about the families. The families are serving their country too, by making sacrifices, keeping things together at home, and providing the support that the troops need to get the job done. I'm so glad that Sgt Dub has you to take care of him. He better remember to get you a very good anniversary present!!

Sarge Charlie said...

Well now Mrs Dub, you made me cry on your maiden voyage into the blogesphere, very well said and well written.

You know by now I will always try to fix a soft spot for you to land on, being a soldiers wife is tough sometimes but thank god for the homecomings. I have an affection for all the guys and gals that are over there doing the job for us, and all the families that suffer the pain of separation.

I am part of the past generation of soldiers, I remember one time when I had not talked to Miss Bee for a long time, we hand to use ham radio to talk, so I just picked up the phone and called her. We were about 30 seconds into the call when they disconnected us and told me I had used an “Improper Priority” oh well, at least I tried.

I try to cheer the Sarge up but sometimes I get too wrapped up in the feelings. Pray for peace and the safe return of all our troops, and do not let a protester get in my line of sight.

Best wishes for a happy and safe new year

The old sarge

Sarge Charlie said...

PS: I am thankful that Sgt Dub has my back..........

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

your post brought back a memory i had completely forgotten. when they first come home. the strangeness. of their being there. the fitting in again to the family. the little things handed back to them, the lawn, the tires, etc. stuff you never thought you would have to do but did learn to do well.

one thing i liked better back then was the letters. i know it was not the instant gratification you have now, the "now" of the message, but the letters lasted. i still have them. recently i re-read one about him sleeping with a marker in his pocket and waking up with a butt full of ink. the letters are priceless.

thanks mrs. dub. for all you have to do so that i can live free in the greatest country in the world.

empress bee (of the high sea)

Sarge Charlie said...

damn, Miss Bee made me cry also.

MrsDub said...

Oh my goodness! I never expected anyone to read my blog. Now I see why Dub likes it so much. Thanks to all for the words of encouragement, and yes Bee I would like to get an old fashioned letter in the mail. There is just something about knowing that it's all yours and that you can hold on to it forever. Just like I plan to do with old SgtDub! Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and be safe and don't drink and drive!!

just me said...

Hi, Welcome to the blog world!

Happy blogging!

Miss Dub said...

Hey mom, nice blog!

Sarge Charlie said...

Next, we want more..........

Wade Huntsinger said...

Thank you to all the Dubs. It is folks like you that makes me proud to be an American. I read SgtDubs blog almost daily so I pray for all of you. God bless us all!