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Reflection – Deployment, Homecoming, Proposal, Marriage
Two years ago on July 3rd, Hawk told me he was deploying. And that was the beginning of it all. The beginning of me realizing that even though I swore I’d never fall for an Army dude, I was quickly on my way to falling in love with one and couldn’t imagine my life without him in it. And now that Army dude who told me he was leaving for a year, that Army dude who waited for my reaction before he officially asked me out, that Army dude whom I fell madly and deeply in love with will become my husband in 58 days. It’s a funny thing how…
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Week 29: The Birthday Box
I wanted to make Hawk’s birthday as special as it possibly could be with him being 5,550 miles away from his favorite places, his favorite things, and his favorite people. After brainstorming a bit, the Birthday Box was born. Anyone who knows Hawk for even the slightest amount of time will learn that he lives and breaths the University of South Florida’s Bulls. It didn’t take much time to come up with the box decorations. After the box was decorated came the stuffing part! I included a Bulls Flag at his request to hang outside his “house,” since his neighbor hung a Gator’s flag up…and Hawk just couldn’t have that…
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Week 26: London Recap Day 1
Hawk has officially been gone for six months. I almost shake my head with amazement because I can’t believe I still functioned after Day One, and here, six months later we are thriving. It’s still hard every day. Some days it is still really, really hard, but here we are doing something that would tear many others apart. Here I am doing something I never ever thought I was capable of doing…and it’s only by the grace of God. It’s been six months since Farewell, and three weeks since London. I haven’t written about the incredible reunion yet because maybe I just liked keeping it between us, but also because…
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Week 22: Packing & Proof
In one short week I will finally be on my way to London to be reunited with my best friend! It is so surreal. Hawk and I have been counting down for this trip, this precious time together, for so long. Now that it is actually a reality and almost here it seems too good to be true. It seems just a dream. But the days pass, and I have not only my bag almost all packed but his as well. Last weekend we had a sweet Skype date where we raided his closet and he told me what clothes he wanted me to bring him (since he doesn’t have…
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Week 20: Photolog – Army Girl
I have become an Army girl. Like I’ve said before, a man in the military was always one of my turnoffs. So, sometimes the irony is overwhelming. Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself falling for an Army dude. And here I am, wearing his jacket, shirt, and hat. Never say never, my dears ; )
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Week 16: On the Phrase “Overbeforeyouknowit”
The first time I heard that phrase was right when Hawk left for Annual Training…the day after he asked me out. At the time, I was like “Oh, yeah, these days will fly by!” Foolish, girl. It seemed like the longest two weeks ever. Because even back then, I knew he was going to deploy. And those two weeks symbolized the deployment for me. Many times I battled thoughts like “This is only the beginning!” “If I’m going crazy in two weeks, how on earth am I going to handle FIFTY-two weeks!” Thus, began my hatred for the phrase #overbeforeyouknowit. And yet, yesterday I pulled up my email and saw…
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Farewell, and I’ll See You Soon
This morning Hawk left. His family and I arrived at the base to see him off. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Because we knew we would be rushed and in public, we said our goodbyes the night before. He hugged me, I got mascara on his shirt, and we prayed together. While I was so emotional I could hardly start my part of the prayer, I could feel the Holy Spirit’s power overcome and was able to say the things I wanted and needed to say. It was such a powerful moment. It was a holy moment. And I became even more thankful that God saw fit to…
