A handbook for you to gather information that encourages you to thrive during a deployment as a military spouse. <3

 

Ticket For One, Please:

Welcome aboard the emotional roller-coaster that is known as The Deployment. The first thing to do is look to your left and right, then forward and back.  Notice the other spouses on board?  That’s the good news, you’re not alone!
These will quite possibly be the best friends you’ll have and you for them.
Feeling all sorts of crazy?  Here is an outline of the possible ups and downs you can expect during a deployment. Ahem. You’re not crazy dear one.  In fact, you’re pretty amazing!

{The Emotional Phases Of Deployment}

 

See You Later! 

 

 

It’s time to say goodbye, or as some like to say, “See you later!”.
Some like to say goodbye before they board the bus, ship, or plane, or you can kiss goodbye at home, it’s up to your family!
Here is the thing, you won’t respond to this ride like the girl in the seat to your left.  She may be tough as nails but you have a sensitive heart and that’s alright.  If you want to cry, cry as much as you want.  If you want to push those emotions away, push them away.  There is no rule for how we’re meant to respond but with those arms around your love’s neck you’ll hurt.  Soak in those last moments.

 

The Ride – Hold on Tight:

There is The Murphy’s Law of deployment, and that is that anything that can go wrong probably will. : )  But there is hope for us!
If something breaks: Google and YouTube have endless ‘How-To’ videos.  Even you can learn how to fix a broken toilet and heater!
But let’s be honest some things that break are above our understanding.  Call for back-up and thank God for people who reach out to help!

This time apart will be really hard. This ride that takes you up after receiving a sweet letter or email will send you straight back down when you lay next to an empty pillow at night.  Take this deployment one day at a time and give yourself grace!

Grab tight to a friend and if you can’t find one, discover how to be a better one from Kristen:
{25 Ways to Be a Friend}
Send care-packages:

 

 

The love of your life will receive these packages with a smile.  They are missing you as much as you’re missing them.

Write often:

 

 

Emails are quick but every few weeks sit down and hand write a letter to send.  There is something special about holding onto these letters and reading them over and over.

 

Sweet Hellos:

 

The ride will come to an end eventually. Have a ball picking out a cute outfit, getting your nails done, making a fun sign, or staring at the calendar with glee.  They’re almost home!
Depending where you meet them it’s possible you’ll find yourself unable to pick him/her out of the crowd dressed alike.  (Why yes I happened to mistake another man for my own.) But when you finally spot them you’ll both be smiling ear to ear as you rush up to greet one another.  Sparks will fly as you collapse into his arms again.  This ride is over and you did great dear one! Be proud of not only him but yourself too.
Enjoy this time with your spouse home again!

 

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 A Word From Your Military Sisters:

{Jenny} How to Make a Deployment Count

{Kathryn} 40 Quotes For Deployment,  Saying Goodbye

{Erin} Remembering That Morning

{Ann Marie} Deployments are a lot like birthing children, Deployment Funk

{Adrienne May} I’m a New Military Spouse, Now What?

{Jennifer} Holidays and Deployment

{Sara Horn} Overcoming Anxiety during Deployment

{Ashley} Amazing Care Package Ideas!

{Sarah} 10 Ways to help your child through a deployment

{Faith Deployed} Resources for You

{Laura} 15 Songs For Your Deployment Playlist

Lets hear from you! I’d love to input your stories, advice, tips, survival tactics, and other helpful guides into this handbook. *Credit will be directed to you*
{Email: Lauramoore18 (at) gmail.com}

~Laura~