One of my favorite things about the Army is that 90 percent of the time, we don't have to say, “Goodbye.”The phrase, “See you later,”seems to be more appropriate. In my 10 years with my husband, we have made five Permanent Changes of Station. I have said tearful goodbyes. I have given and received some fun gifts. But what makes it all worthwhile for me is the PCS stopover - when we have a chance to reconnect with old friends as we zip across the country to our next duty station.
This time my girlfriend, her sweet soldier, her two kids, one dog and two cats found the time in the amazing PCS race to stop in my town for dinner. This friend and I have been through a lot together, not the least of which was a 15-month deployment. Then we were blessed to be stationed together again at our last duty station. I consider her to be one of my best Army wife friends.
She texted me and she said that they were staying right outside our post gate for the night. We should meet for dinner. As we waited in the car for them to walk over from the hotel, “Good Times”came through the radio. I couldn't help but think, “How appropriate!”We laughed and joked and noted how much all of our kids had grown. I watched her sweet soldier help my sweet girl with a crossword puzzle and sweet girl loved every minute. My older sweet boy played checkers with her younger sweet, sweet boy and it was like no time had ever passed among us. The only thing missing was my sweet soldier.
After dinner we said, "See you later," one more time and the hugs and well wishes overflowed. I am looking forward to seeing them again in a few weeks as her sweet soldier takes another step in his career. I am so grateful to be able to share that moment with them. A few hours of driving won't keep me away!
But that is not the first time this has happened this week. Another friend messaged and said that she was picking us up to ride over to Leavenworth to see another good friend! I was thrilled. I can't wait to see both of my friends and their kids again and we can talk about the "Good Times."
What I think a lot of civilians don't understand about our Army life (only because they don't have to do it as often) is the true sense of loss and mourning that takes place when we leave a post that we have grown to love. Even after only having been there for a year and a half, I truly grieved when I left Fort Meade. I miss those ladies terribly, but I am so glad that it truly is a "See you later." I hope you get to experience the stop over during this PCS season. It truly made my day!
Strength and Courage ... sby
