Armed Forces Day!

Happy Armed Forces Day! Thank you JFK for creating it in 1962!

I think about one year ago and what I was doing. Then I think back to two, and three and four years and it's amazing how things change, but still stay the same. This year has been quite a whirlwind. It's been filled with a deployment, an injury, words like amputation, infection and wounded warrior. Words that were just words, become meaningful. Life stands still. Don't get me wrong, events are happening, people are graduating, but it seems as if we are stuck.

I try to stay positive, because things could be a lot worse and I feel guilty for even thinking some of my thoughts... but it does get to me. Sometimes I want to wake up, put on my favorite asics and go for a long run. I want to let the sun-drenched world hit my face and escape my fears. I want to be selfish and take the day for myself. Talk on the phone!! (Gosh I miss my friends). Cook a meal or bake something delicious (snickerdoodles are on my brain). I know, pity party over here right now. Don't worry, I'm already over it after my fingers leave the keyboard. I love my husband and I am so FREAKING thankful he is recovering better then any heal fracture they have seen. Maybe Ranger School is still a possibility (I want the sweater... thank you Dana, HappyLifeasanArmyWife for making me obsessed with that!) I want to thank those woman who trail blazed how to be good Wives of a Wounded Soldier. There are too many awful stories of women leaving their husbands in the hospital, but not enough of the impact that they have on getting their soldier out of that bed.

As much as today is Armed Forces Day, it's about the families too! So thank you for what you do, big or small.

Happy Graduation Sister! Love you!

Osama and Obama

Ten years have gone by searching for the man responsible for many deaths and a hatred religion. As a Christian, I do not rejoice in deaths, but as Mark Twain said, "I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." Last night, watching people outside Pennsylvania Avenue chanting U S A after hearing Obama say "Osama Bin Laden is Dead, was pretty emotionally moving.

The 24 navy seals who performed this operation, have now been upgraded to Navy White Sharks! :0 ) Thank you to the Military Intelligince Officers

Please do not forget the people still deployed and protecting our soil from any other terrorists. Also I would like to remember those that were murdered on September 11, 2001. God Bless Everyone.

Sunday

The more things change, the more things change!

It's pretty wild how the last three months have flown by, but also took forever! It's like life is an oxymoron. I'm not to sure? Someone want to explain it to me?

I am currently preparing to drive our pups and my wounded husband to Michigan and then back to Walter Reed. Charlie needs to have his tail partially amputated. He damaged it by wagging his tail to hard against the cage. The vet tells us that it's very common and it's called "happy tail." The tip is showing part of his bone. I feel terrible - but there is no more boarding these dogs during Easter Vacation. Charlie is too big and they must have had him and Lucy in too small of a kennel. I need to find an amazing Pet Sitter who is bonded and licensed.

My husband will finally be able to walk next week!! Three months of non weight bearing takes a toll on someone and a marriage. We hope the doctors and the WTU (Warrior Transition Unit) gives us the OK to come back to our post to rehabilitate. Hopefully, we will be as good as new after some much needed walking... and running.

Solemn ties

Enjoy Your WEEKEND!

Cupcakes make things better!

Picture is from Park City.
My new favorite cupcake place in DC is not the beloved TLC Georgetown Cupcakes. Instead, it's SPRINKLES! How utterly divine! TRY THEM! This month they are sharing the Irish Cupcake with a delectable Bailey's cream inside the Belgian chocolate cake. Try it if you are around here or recuperating at Walter Reed, Bethesda or Ft Belvoir.

Today my husband and I ventured down to Georgetown to experiment our sweet tooth... Enjoy the recommendation!!

What to do if your solider is injured in combat

The phone rings in the middle of the night and it's some unknown male's voice telling you your soldier was injured in combat. He is speaking like a robot or a machine, probably because it's one of the hardest phone calls he has to make during his position as Rear Detachment Commander. You wish he could first tell you your husband is alive, but he doesn't. He states his name, his rank, but then tells you I am sorry I have some bad news about your soldier. EEEK!!! (Remind me later to ask the Military to do a briefing on sensitivity training for these phone calls!)

Luckily, this specific scenario didn't happen to me, but I have heard some horrible soldiers here at Walter Reed of mothers and wives receiving the news. The tales of mothers fainting after the news their son lost both legs in a blast. I have cried with wives who have had to endure 80 plus surgeries of continuous disappointments as well as a delivery of their first child.  These are the scars and battle wounds the family carries with them for the rest of their lives. It's heartbreaking but also very humbling. LUCKILY, they are alive and will fight like a soldier to survive and get up to walk again.

However, if you find yourself in a situation where your soldier is hurt and you are waiting to find when your soldier gets back, prepare to wait a couple of days before you see him. Unfortunately, even the most terrible injuries, have a process to wait for good weather conditions, plane schedules and hospitals. My husband went from Maymanah, Afghanistan, to Bagrham, Afghanistan, to Landstuhl, Germany to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

When I left our duty station to come to Walter Reed, I would never have expected his injury to keep us here for this long, but it has. Make sure you bring some extra underwear- I had to have my MIL bring some from target! (I will be forever thankful for that).

Walter Reed is closing this year, but they are breaking into two groups; Bethesda Navy Medical Center in Maryland and Fort Belvour in Virginia. These are the locations you will want to investigate where your soldier might go to if he was injured in Afghanistan or Iraq. They will most likely get your soldier.

Yellow Ribbon Fund will fly you for free. Don't pay a million dollars to fly to Germany to get to your soldier. Call this foundation and they will help you!

Some important Numbers
RED CROSS!! 

Call (877) 272-7337 (toll-free) if you are an Active duty service members stationed in the United States, or a family member residing with them.

SOLDIER FAMILY ASSISTANT CENTER (SFAC)

Phone: 1-866-546-1310, (202) 782-2071

Main SFAC Office Hours:
* 7:30am-9:00pm Monday-Friday
* 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday & Sunday
* After 9:00pm call AOD at 202-782-7309

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

FAMILY HOTLINE 1-800-984-8523
When you get to your soldier, prepare to be approached by every physician, every administration staff and be really overwhelmed. You will barely sleep and be worried sick. If you need help, remember there is always someone around to assist you. If you want to ask me any direct questions, please let me know too!

Good luck. and you are in my prayers.

Friday Fill In

Thank you wifeofasoldier.com for another Friday fill in! Love that you had the help of other bloggers!

So I finally had a moment of free time after the second surgery to sit down and write on the blog. There has been quite a bit going on and it's a bit overwhelming. Happy Friday

1. What is your must have gadget? submitted by Flying High With My Flyboy
I imagine that would be my iPhone. I would be lost without the thing. I often feel naked if I don't have it with me.

2. How does your adulthood compare to what you imagined it would be like when you were a little kid? submitted by L to the Third
I imagine that my image of adulthood was easier and less complicated. I know my dream of marrying my best friend came true. Our life is exciting and I am experiencing more than I ever imagined as a kid.


3. What is your favorite chocolate recipe? submitted by Our First Deployment
Cinnamon Dark-Chocolate Fudge

4. How do you deal with military life when it gets to be to much or to hard? submitted by Combat Boots And Pointe Shoes
Currently, the military life is the hardest it has ever been. Deployment is easy compared to living at Walter Reed. You aren't worried about him getting hurt, because he is and you are surrounded by other young soldiers who are living with new legs and arms. It really puts things in perspective. I can't imagine complaining a day after living here for almost two months.

5. What piece of advice would you give a new Military spouse facing their first deployment? submitted by The Albrecht Squad
My advice would be to take it one day at a time. If you don't take it one day at a time, it will become pretty unmanageable. Use a calendar to cross off the day before and stay clear of countdowns such as 365 days until he is back. I feel that it's too long. Instead mark off day 1; done, day 2; done. It feels like you have accomplished more that way!! Best of luck to any of you that are! ALSO!! If your husband gets hurt, I recommend contacting the Red Cross, SFAC at Walter Reed Medical Center (Washington, DC, Bethesday, MD, or Belvour, VA, Wounded Warrior Brigade. Rear Detachment does not facilitate the soldier to the hospital and will often not have the current information until the soldier arrives at the specific location. Please look at yesterday's post for any more advice. God Bless you both on your journey.

Ward 57 at Walter Reed Hat and Wounded Warrior Jacket in the Courtyard at the Hospital

Red Door Spas Military Discount

Hi Ladies! Yesterday I was treated at the Mologne House for a facial and a hair trim because of the wonderful people at SAIC from Science to Solutions and Red Door Spa by Elizabeth Arden. Most of th etimes the activities are specifically for the wounded warriors, but this was different because it was for the care takers. I saw so many smiling women! It was a wonderful relaxing couple of hours. I felt like a NEW woman! All of these people who specifically stay here to take care of a wounded warrior deserve this! A BIG WARM THANK YOU!

They also will treat the soldiers and their spouses at the door of their salons. Check out one closest to you!

Friday Fill In

Sorry it's been awhile, but Walter Reed keeps you busy! I decided to do a Friday Fill In with Wife of a Sailor because I had time.

1. Do you or your {spouse} ever wish your {spouse} was in a different branch of the military? submitted by The Turner Family

We don't really wish that, only for the better bases near the ocean (Navy).

1. What duty station(s) are on your “No Way, Hell No, Not Going, Have Fun Unaccompanied” list and why? submitted by Every Branch

I would have to say Korea again. No way!

1. If you could be one age forever, what age would you choose and why? submitted by Three Krakens

This is tough, but I dont think I would want to live one age forever PERIOD, especially if everyone else grew up in front of me. Hello... hasn't anyone ever read the book Tuck Everlasting?

1. If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be? submitted by the C.W.

I would be Kashi Cinnamon Oat Cereal because it's rich in fiber, protein and taste delicious. Besides anything with cinnamon in it is amazing to me!

1. What is your morning beverage of choice and why?  submitted by NH Girl Displaced

Coffee with cream. I also drink yogurt with fruit (smoothie). 

Beautiful breath

Today we had someone come to our room who played the Navajo flute. It was a healing song. The woman who played was playing a song of how she felt. It was amazing. She said, "beautiful breath" in her Navajo language. She said that it's all part of healing. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well as the message.

So many people here at Walter Reed are here for months and years. They are trying to regain strength, manage pain and rehabilitate their mind and body as best as possible. Part of that process includes healing mentally. Beautiful thoughts and breaths are exactly a way to do that!

I am soooooo humbled here. I never want to complain about any aches or pains. Everytime I walk up the stairs or pick up my silverware I thank God for my extemeities. These soldiers are an inspiration. I also believe that wounded warriors have a great outlook on life.

I definitely don't wish anyone to have to be here after an IED blast, but if you are here, they do take care of you!

Thank you for all of your concerns and encouragement!