Monday, September 21, 2009

saying goodbye

It's been a busy few weeks at the Grube household. We've had friends and family coming and going. Unfortunately, included in that was Jim. He left on the 5th for a month of training in California. During his Army career we've said goodbye many times, but this time it was a little different. I think his heart is a little closer to home now.
This was taken during the last few minutes we had with him. Eli doesn't look particularly pleased either. We left Jim's office - he walked in one direction, and we drove off in another. It's never fun to say goodbye, but I think I might have the formula down. These are my tricks that make being an Army wife a little easier on days like this:
  1. I go ahead and let myself shed those tears. There's nothing wrong with being sad. I give myself a day to mope. But then the next day I pull myself up by the bootstraps. If I mope too long, well, I'm just not fun to be around. And frankly, I'm gonna need some friends.
  2. On the drive home, I don't turn on the radio. I let silence be my friend. No reason, in particular. It just seems irrelevant to have music on to a) cheer me up since I'm not in a good mood and don't want to be, and b) non-cheerful music would just be stupid.
  3. To counteract those tears, I hit up Starbucks. And none of this low-fat soy crap either. Bring on the calories. Nothing like wallowing in a grande coffee Frappuccino. Yum and a half.
  4. I think alot about Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the GOOD of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I've been called. Check. I love the Lord. Check. Then it's all good! (Chew on that for a while. It's good for the soul.)
  5. And lastly, I have something fun planned around the corner.
In this case I had Jim's parents back at the house to cheer me up. I didn't even need a full day to mope. Sure, I miss him a lot, but that's not the same as moping. One is life. The other is just dramatic. Also, it's only a month, and in Army time, that's like a blink. The real test will be later this fall when Jim leaves for a year.

Yuck. I don't even want to think about it.

So I won't.

That's my other coping mechanism. If I don't think about it, it won't happen, right?

In the meantime, Eli has been great company. Along with a host of others. More on that later. Right now I'm thinking about Jim and how he'll be home in two weeks.

Man, I'm ready for him to be home. It just seems right that our little family should be together... but in the meantime, it's all good.

14 comments:

Crafty P said...

I can't even imagine, but I will say, you have excellent coping mechanisms. love the no-radio policy and the starbucks drive through.

I foresee many sewing projects in your future (and naps!)

erin w. said...

Thanks for sharing. Chris has only been gone for a couple weeks max since Cami's been born. I'm curious now that we are back on sea duty what my coping mechanisms will be with two kids. Hope the next two weeks fly by.

mrsbuckett said...

way to stay positive and share your determination with us. Praying that the next two weeks go by quick! And that you have a chance to make some awesome memories as a little family before the dreaded D word begins. Thinking of you and praying for you. :)

Christie said...

With tears streaming, I say thanks my battle buddy, for the coping skills teaching. I have a feeling I will have to use them in the days to come in more ways than one.

Happy said...

I can't imagine either and I'm so glad you've had the company of others to fill the time with. Love your tips on getting through it...they can be useful to someone not even in your position also.

Romans 8:28. I'm chewing.

Thank you and may the next two weeks go by speedily!

And may little Eli continue to be good company to his momma.

grammy grube said...

Brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face! Love you all so much!

Mom/Nana said...

"Stella",

Love the pic of the soldier and one of the reasons they go to wear.

God bless you all.

Angela said...

Praying for you while Jim is away...Call me if you need to pass some time.

Muthering Heights said...

Poo Jim...that must have been so hard!

Megan said...

You are one amazing wife and mama! I know your wisdom will be helpful to many others in similar situations! Love you!

Cindy said...

Karen- You are a blessing to all those who know you. God's light shines through you in so many ways. A few to let you know about: making a cheese video, driving through starbucks because you miss your man, posting how to cope, and loving your little boy. I will pray for you these last two weeks that you will find God's perfect peace in this time apart. Love ya!

LifeAtTheCircus.com said...

I miss you guys soooo much! I think you make one terrific army wife and you always have impressed me with how well you handle that role. You are a great support for Jim. I am thankful for all three of your sacrifices and so proud to be in your family. Praying for you in these next few weeks and for your times together before he deploys.

Shawna said...

Karen-It brings tears to my eyes as to how far you have come. I remember at Ft. Campbell..meeting you & just loving you from the moment we were introduced. Now I look at our lives...yours has a new addition! And I am so excited for what God has planned for you all. You are an amazing woman and I am so honored to call you a friend. I love you! Take care of you and give Eli a hug from me!

Unknown said...

You are a true witness and encourager. May I share this post with my Bible Study group?? We are studying Job and this portrays the application perfectly. Job mourned but then quickly focused on God and worshipped Him. We can't let Satan win his constant attempts to separate us from God and his love for us. Keeping all 3 of you in our prayers.