^applause!  This is really touching Tam...I remember when I read that the first time...it really made me think.

I read this awhile back and it brought tears to my eyes. It still does. Hugs to you, my dear.

Was your husband drafted, or did he choose to go? :P Call me naive, but I don't know much about this war... or country.

Was your husband drafted, or did he choose to go? :P Call me naive, but I don't know much about this war... or country.


There hasn't been a draft since like 1973 in Vietnam.

Was your husband drafted, or did he choose to go? :P Call me naive, but I don't know much about this war... or country.


Ladies and gentleman.....our future! :D

By the way, the draft doesn't exist anymore.

Ladies and gentleman.....our future! :D

By the way, the draft doesn't exist anymore.


Woop! That answers my question.

Woop! That answers my question.


You are one funny kid. Don't ever change. ;D

Ladies and gentleman.....our future! :D


Muahaha... I'mma prove that you can be stupid and live a normal-ish life!

There's no draft, Meat.

I sympathize with you Tam and I will send warm thoughts to you and your family...hopefully whatever little we do here will help you through the day :)

You are one funny kid. Don't ever change. ;D


Oh, and thanks.

Was your husband drafted, or did he choose to go? :P Call me naive, but I don't know much about this war... or country.

He is enlisted, and chooses to be an Army man. ;)

Karma to you sweetie, hang in there.

One of my most abiding memories of my younger childhood was the upset of my Dad going away and then the excitment when he came back. He always sent us loads of postcards which we would stick in an album and then Mum would tell us about the country where he was. I never forget this one time when I was about 6 and was very very sick. I woke up one morning and there was this card and a Speedy Gonzales Toy saying 'Make a Speedy recovery' from my Dad. I thought he had been all the way home to see me and then gone again by magic! Turns out my Mum had sent him a telegram about me being so ill and he had got the present to me via another aircraft (He was in the R.A.F)that was on it's way back.
I asked my Mum recently how on earth she managed with him away so much and no phone, email, nothing apart from letters to keep in touch by. She said she just did but having us kids helped because it meant she had to have a routine through the day. She said she knew it was going to be hard from the start, he was in the R.A.F when the met, but she loved him so she married him. I'm guessing it's the same for you. 

Love > all :)

Tam,  I truly cannot imagine what it's like to have your hubby in Iraq.  Mine travels alot, but I always know he'll be home in a few days.  You ARE a strong person and I admire you.  I don't think I could handle it, but please know that we are all here for you whenever you need us. :)

Wow!!  Thank you for posting this and thank you to your husband.  I can not imagine what you're going through. 

My prayers are with you and your husband. 

You, along with every family member of the men & women over there are VERY BRAVE!  And I applaud you. I will not pretend that I know what you are going through but if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me. (((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))




Cat

Your husband is very lucky to have such a loving and supportive family, Tam.  Karma to you for being an incredibly strong woman through all of this.  :)

I thank you all for reading my thread. And I thank you for all of your kind remarks, encouraging words and prayers.

I want it to be known that I didn't post this for a pity party and such. I posted it because although there are a ton of Military Spouses, not everyone knows one, and sometimes it helps others get through when they read that someone else has it just a little bit harder than they do.

I fell in love with my husband when he was out of the Army. He re-enlisted before we got married, and knowing full well what it meant, I married him anyway. I would not trade a single moment in for anything. One thing that really irks me is, there are some Military Spouses who blame the current leadership for making their spouses go overseas and they fail to realize that they married a Military Soldier who chose to sign on the dotted line! They complain all the time and of course the ones that cheat lay blame on the Military for taking their spouse away - instead of laying blame on themselves.

I do not blame anyone. I try not to complain so much. (Sure, there are times when I do, but it is mostly to myself or my son.) My husband is a very Patriotic man who loves his job and loves his Country. I love him so that means I have to make this work. I support him 110% and I do everything within my power to make sure that he doesn't have to worry about anything back here while he is on tour. This is the life I chose, so it is the life I live.

Sorry for spewing that all out! I just get fired up about it and it honestly makes me sick anymore when I hear people raggin on the Military Service Members. Some people need to be reminded that they are following orders that have been given to them. Whether a soldier agrees with the current situation or not, they have to do what they have been ordered to do.

That being said, I am done for now. (Didn't really want to get all political and I hope I haven't too much.)
Again, I thank each and every one of your kind words. It means so much when most times there is nothing but negativity surrounding us! ;)

Tam, I'm going out on a limb here, and I don't want to say the wrong thing..
I know it's your husband's profession and he is doing his job, by going over to Iraq. But media, government, all that aside... don't you wish your husband were home safe with you?  I do. and I'll keep him in my prayers. He's doing his job being over there, and I respect him for that . But I hope he gets home safe and sound soon.

Wow Tam.  Thank you so much for sharing this with us.  I think that most people support the troops, and pray for their safe return, but they have no idea what it's really like for them or for the people they leave behind.  We all need to see this - to know what it's really like.  We may never fully understand, but at least we'll have a glimpse into the reality of so many brave men and women.  My thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband, and all of our soldiers.  Thank you again for telling your story.  http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/05/herz.gif

Tam, that brought tears to my eyes.  Thank you for your sacrifice to keep us safe.  Big hugs to you.

This was wrote on November 7, 2006.


I now know that he has safely made it into Iraq, so my daily worries have begun. It is funny, no matter where they tell you your husband is going to be, and how safe or unsafe it is, there is that part in your heart that just won't let up. I could never truly imagine what he has to go through every day, nor do I think I would ever want to know what he has had to do. I didn't ask questions last time and I wont ask questions this time.

Sometimes I think I am not a strong person but then I realize that I am. I may not feel like it all the time, but as they days go by I get to feeling as close to normalcy as possible. It does take a strong person to marry a Soldier. It also takes a strong faith and commitment and willingness to do it to help you get through.

To all my friends and family who are going through this same thing with me, I send my love and understanding. We will overcome. To those who have sent their well wishes and thoughts and prayers, I say Thank You. I also ask that you keep each and every single Soldier in your hearts and prayers as they need all the support they can get.

Thanks for sharing something so personal Tam.  As your friend and fellow board member I also send love and well wishes and hopefully some understanding, and will continue to keep your husband in my prayers.

This was wrote on November 7, 2006.
A few friends on here thought it was a good idea to post it here, since it is already on my blog on myspace.
I know it helped me to write it, and has helped a few other people to see a different side of things...

Yeah that was really touching. :)

I commend you for being strong enough to share your feelings (I'm not sure I could do it as well if I were in your position). While I can't pretend to know what you're going through from personal experience, I can certainly empathize. I'm glad everything has been well so far for him. Good for him for doing what he is too.

Best wishes to all you guys.

I just wanted to give y'all a bit of an update, and this will also explain why I haven't been on the boards so much.

My husband is currently somewhere in Germany, at one of the bases.
He was flown there a week ago last Monday.
He thought he had the flu for a while, but then it turned nasty.

They flew him out because he had a fever of 105.4 and was pretty much delusional.
Initially, they thought he had malaria, which scared the crap out of me, but it turns out that he has pneumonia, has probably had it for over a month. The pneumonia caused dehydration, which caused muscle failure, which then caused kidney problems.

He is on the fast track to recovery though.

Imagine my surprise to know that soldiers can end up with pneumonia over there, not to mention the many other ailments readily available.

Thanks again everyone, for all your support and prayers.

Tam

I just wanted to give y'all a bit of an update, and this will also explain why I haven't been on the boards so much.

My husband is currently somewhere in Germany, at one of the bases.
He was flown there a week ago last Monday.
He thought he had the flu for a while, but then it turned nasty.

They flew him out because he had a fever of 105.4 and was pretty much delusional.
Initially, they thought he had malaria, which scared the crap out of me, but it turns out that he has pneumonia, has probably had it for over a month. The pneumonia caused dehydration, which caused muscle failure, which then caused kidney problems.

He is on the fast track to recovery though.

Imagine my surprise to know that soldiers can end up with pneumonia over there, not to mention the many other ailments readily available.

Thanks again everyone, for all your support and prayers.

Tam



I'm sorry to hear this but I am happy to hear that he is on the road to recovery. He is going to come home soon? If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me. ((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))




Cat

I just wanted to give y'all a bit of an update, and this will also explain why I haven't been on the boards so much.

My husband is currently somewhere in Germany, at one of the bases.
He was flown there a week ago last Monday.
He thought he had the flu for a while, but then it turned nasty.

They flew him out because he had a fever of 105.4 and was pretty much delusional.
Initially, they thought he had malaria, which scared the crap out of me, but it turns out that he has pneumonia, has probably had it for over a month. The pneumonia caused dehydration, which caused muscle failure, which then caused kidney problems.

He is on the fast track to recovery though.

Imagine my surprise to know that soldiers can end up with pneumonia over there, not to mention the many other ailments readily available.

Thanks again everyone, for all your support and prayers.

Tam


I'm so glad that he is recovering Tam....please keep us updated!! :)

Tam,
Good to hear he's on the mend.  I'll keep both of you in my thoughts.

K

So glad it isn't a tragic story.  So glad he is out of harms way.  Maybe he will get to come home for a while.  :)

Best wishes to him (and you guys!)  :-*

Aww Tam Tam i was wondering where you were! Hope he gets well too, oh and in Germany he'll get the best treatment,so don't worry :)

It is good to hear he is on the road to recovery!  Best wishes :)

I'm also so glad to hear your news, hugs to you and yours. Now tell me was this a case of a typical bloke ignoring symptoms until it became pneumonia??

Will he be sent home on recovery?

Hey.

I would assume he's at Landstuhl. That's the nearest Army hospital to Rammstein which is probably where they flew him in to.

I can't imagine not being told these kind of things, but still, the facilities around there are absolutely top notch.

Coming from a former military member, I do hope for his safe return.  Although, we all know my view on this war from the politics and religion board, I still and will always support the military. 

The draft doesn't exist anymore?  Then why do males still have to sign up for selective service?  Its still out there, just needs the go ahead.

Im sure there are alot of people who try to place blame on something else because they are scared.  There is nothing wrong with that.  People handle stress in different ways.  I am glad to see you are so strong in these hard times and I hope for the best.

My thoughts and wishes go out with you and your husbands safe return.

I'm glad he's getting the medical care he needs and I wish him a speedy recovery and safe passage to wherever he may go next.  :)

Best wishes to hubby Tam, and thanks for the updated glimpse. support and prayers to you, your family. glad to hear he's on the road to recovery

{{{{Tam}}}}

My best wishes to you and yours. I'm glad things are improving at this point. Hopefully everything will right itself in the near future, including us being graced with even more of your presence. :)

All my best, all the time.

Thanks so much y'all. I appreciate all your kind words and thoughts.

Gis - he had been going to the aid station, and they kept telling him it was the flu. To drink lots of fluids and such. ::)

Davey - I do in fact know where he is, but of course you know how we are - can't be putting out the info ;) and he is getting the best care possible.

Danoota - he will still get his regular EML (or r&r if you will) but right now they are keeping him to ensure he fully recovers from the pneumonia.
Sad thing - he was supposed to be home right now, but I am thankful that when he does come home he will be healthy and I won't have to worry about possibly taking him to the hospital here.

Semper - because I haven't been here all that much lately, I haven't actually read any of your posts. No matter your stance on the situation, I thank you for still supporting the troops! I stay strong because I know there are people still out there who support them no matter what they are 'told' to do. I married him knowing he was a Soldier and a Patriot, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 8)

Again, I thank each and every one of you. Karma +1 as well.

Davey - I do in fact know where he is, but of course you know how we are - can't be putting out the info ;) and he is getting the best care possible.


MmmHmm, mum's the word.

Tam, I'm glad to hear your husband is doing better.  I sure hope he gets to come home soon.  And I want to tell you how great I think you are for being such a supportive wife and a great mother.  I just wish more military wives were as awesome as you.

Hey.

I would assume he's at Landstuhl. That's the nearest Army hospital to Rammstein.


For a moment there I thought you meant the band!! Now that would hardly aid anyones recovery but I guess at least they'd be warm.  ;D

Tam appologies for maligning your husband, It's just amazing how many men do 'ignore' things until they are so ill they can't any longer!  I bet you can't wait to get him home, I hope it's very, very soon.  :)

For those of you not in the know Rammstein are a very loud industrial metal band who are famous for their outrageous pyrotecnics see picture below!

Thanks so much y'all. I appreciate all your kind words and thoughts.

Gis - he had been going to the aid station, and they kept telling him it was the flu. To drink lots of fluids and such. ::)

Davey - I do in fact know where he is, but of course you know how we are - can't be putting out the info ;) and he is getting the best care possible.

Danoota - he will still get his regular EML (or r&r if you will) but right now they are keeping him to ensure he fully recovers from the pneumonia.
Sad thing - he was supposed to be home right now, but I am thankful that when he does come home he will be healthy and I won't have to worry about possibly taking him to the hospital here.

Semper - because I haven't been here all that much lately, I haven't actually read any of your posts. No matter your stance on the situation, I thank you for still supporting the troops! I stay strong because I know there are people still out there who support them no matter what they are 'told' to do. I married him knowing he was a Soldier and a Patriot, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 8)

Again, I thank each and every one of you. Karma +1 as well.
geez, did they think it was the "24 DAY" flu instead of the "24 HOUR" flu? ::)

At least he's now getting the care he needs (and deserves ;))  Here's hoping he gets home soon and 100% better (although, he might "pretend' to be sick just to get some "down home TLC" ;D) :)

geez, did they think it was the "24 DAY" flu instead of the "24 HOUR" flu? ::)

At least he's now getting the care he needs (and deserves ;))  Here's hoping he gets home soon and 100% better (although, he might "pretend' to be sick just to get some "down home TLC" ;D) :)



Somehow I don't think he has to pretend to get TLC when he gets home.  ;)



Cat

Somehow I don't think he has to pretend to get TLC when he gets home.  ;)



Cat
Good point ;)

Re-reading this thread has made me love you guys even more!

So hubby obviously fully recovered, although when he does return for good I do have an appointment for him with a specialist because I want to make sure he is 100%!

He was just here for his EML (leave) and we had a blast! They gave him 18 days off instead of the usual 15, because he was extended thus making his tour 15 months instead of 12. (There is still talk of them possibly extending them to 18 months)

We did all kinds of crazy things while he was here. He got to see his beloved Simpsons Movie (groan) and a slew of others. We went out for dinner countless times, and the amazing part was that he was here for our Anniversary! I asked him to re-marry me again, ring and all! It was truly awesome!

The only thing that hurt during his whole time home, was the fact that I was just getting used to him being here again, and then he had to leave. I honestly don't know where I get the extra strength from, but I know my faith keeps me strong.

The pics in my sigline are from when he was home. I have a ton more but I need to upload them.

I updated the firts post in this thread and changed the title, if you have any questions or support oir anything at all (that isn't mundane) please post away!!!!

So much information, so little time!


Tam

So happy for you. It must have been great to have him back, and he is soooo good lookin'.  I hope he is back with you for good, well and healthy, real soon.  :)

Tam...it sounds like you had a wonderful and very special time. I am so happy for you both. :)

So happy for you. It must have been great to have him back, and he is soooo good lookin'.  I hope he is back with you for good, well and healthy, real soon.   :)


Thanks Girl! He is HOT isn't he? ;D

Should be sometime in '08 that he is back for at least a year - then possibly another deployment! Who knows!!!


Tam...it sounds like you had a wonderful and very special time. I am so happy for you both. :)


Thanks Erin! You know how it goes! xo

Sounds like you two had a blast while he was on leave.  That re-marrying him part is awesome :)

I'm glad you guys had a great time. Hopefully, it won't be too long before he is home to stay.




Cat

I'm so happy for you guys,it looks like you had fun :)

It must be so hard to have him gone so much,how do you deal,Tam?

I'm so happy for you guys,it looks like you had fun :)

It must be so hard to have him gone so much,how do you deal,Tam?

Good question. Sometimes I don't even know how I deal - but I do.

I guess it comes down to how much I really love him. There have been days that I have just wanted to throw my hands in the air and say enough, but the thought of him doing this not only for me but for everyone else too makes me shut up and carry on. I can say one thing for sure.... I have learned patience and self sacrifice. I have learned that just when you think you can't take anymore, you actually can. I have learned that friends are not always as they appear and your gossip high school days are not necessarily behind you. But most of all I have learned to trust my instincts and stand up for myself, even when the Army tells you that you were not 'issued' to your Soldier.

Not to mention that the added bonus is knowing all you peeps who help to keep my sanity levels in check! ;)

Spending that time with hubby must have been like water on dry ground Tam. I'm sure you needed it and he did too & you both soaked it up. & you guys re-did the marriage thingee :D  I bet that was a bit special. we renewed our vows about 4-5 years ago. Congrats  :)

Thanks Girl! He is HOT isn't he? ;D

Should be sometime in '08 that he is back for at least a year - then possibly another deployment! Who knows!!!

Thanks Erin! You know how it goes! xo
I read that as then possibly another development and thought 'Oh yes what is she not telling us??'  ;D

Good question. Sometimes I don't even know how I deal - but I do.

I guess it comes down to how much I really love him. There have been days that I have just wanted to throw my hands in the air and say enough, but the thought of him doing this not only for me but for everyone else too makes me shut up and carry on. I can say one thing for sure.... I have learned patience and self sacrifice. I have learned that just when you think you can't take anymore, you actually can. I have learned that friends are not always as they appear and your gossip high school days are not necessarily behind you. But most of all I have learned to trust my instincts and stand up for myself, even when the Army tells you that you were not 'issued' to your Soldier.

Not to mention that the added bonus is knowing all you peeps who help to keep my sanity levels in check! ;)



I have learned over the years, that when the s**t hits the fan, you discover who your REAL friends are. There are many "fair weather" friends (as one of my best friends calls them) but TRUE friends will stick with you when the weather is nasty.


Cat

I take it he said "Yes" ;)

I'm so happy for you.  I couldn't imagine hubby being gone for that long at a time.  Yes, he's usually on the road for work, but I at least have the comfort of knowing he's home almost every weekend and isn't in any type of danger.  I truly applaud you for your strength and commitment :)

I take it he said "Yes" ;)

I'm so happy for you.  I couldn't imagine hubby being gone for that long at a time.  Yes, he's usually on the road for work, but I at least have the comfort of knowing he's home almost every weekend and isn't in any type of danger.  I truly applaud you for your strength and commitment :)



I agree. I have only been away from Carlos for about 2 weeks in the last 10 years. 1 week when his mother died, and another week when my BIL died. Those were the longest weeks of my life. I can't not imagine being away from him for any length of time.

I too, applaud you Tam for your courage & strength.


Cat

Tam, I just don't know how you do it - I am really in awe of you and all of the other military spouses out there.  You guys are in my thoughts and prayers all the time!!

Call me naive, but I don't know much about this war... or country.
our country is that big pretty yellow one right in the middle of the map. it's got that little phallic looking thing hanging off of it.

our country is that big pretty yellow one right in the middle of the map. it's got that little phallic looking thing hanging off of it.


On me map, it's multicolored. It's got about fifty patches of colors, it seems.

Tam, I just don't know how you do it - I am really in awe of you and all of the other military spouses out there.  You guys are in my thoughts and prayers all the time!!


Thanks Girl.
It's not always butterflies and roses - but sometimes it is rather easy to turn a pile of crap into a beautiful sculpture! ;) ;D

On me map, it's multicolored. It's got about fifty patches of colors, it seems.
sounds about right. although make sure you don't let on you know too much about geography, you might get drafted as a military strategist. ;)