MIA

Deployments take a toll on every family.  I think if someone is completely unaffected something isn't right.  Unfortunately, things got so chaotic I was unable or maybe unwilling to keep to my promise to write a blog at least once a week.  I figured I would start back up and explain where I went.  I never actually went away but just couldn't find the time, energy, and will to write.  It wasn't because I was falling apart all because my husband was gone, though having him home would have been helpful.


Murphy's law of deployments definitely struck a blow to our family.  We have battled illness, behavior problems, diagnosis of developmental problems, broken cars, broken plumbing, and more but the best part we have survived and are getting stronger everyday.  It seems like all of this happened because half of the adults in the house are gone but in all actuality cars and plumbing always break, kids go through difficult stages, viruses happen, and developmental problems get diagnosed.  That last one has been the biggest challenge.  

It is hard to hear something might be wrong with your child but I also already knew she was different before this ever came up.  At first it hit me hard and I became overwhelmed by the stress.  Looking back at that I realize nothing has changed.  She is still the same child she was before and even better she can be helped and overcome these issues.  The only problem is Tricare.  With all health insurance you think it is fine until there is an issue.  I have been trying to get referrals, and care for what seems like an eternity and then the insurance will deny the referral and we have to start all over again.  After 4 months I think we almost have it worked out.  It is a hassle to take her to therapies and doctors 2 or 3 times a week but whatever it takes to help her, we will do.


This has also opened questions to what we are doing at home that could help.  We have found that there is a chemical sensitivity and removing processed foods, filtering all of the water, and changing cleaners have all reduced the problems and have made all of us healthier, happier, and even helped with behavior.  Recipes will probably follow on my blog.  As I have made these lifestyle changes, I have spent a lot of time making everything from scratch.  My house is now filled with ingredients, fruits, vegetables, and meats.  It does make it harder when the schedule is hectic but we are figuring it out and taking it one day at a time.


As for the deployment, we are more than half done and I think it is clear we will make it through this trial just fine.  We have done birthdays, R&R, school, family trips, and many other things.  We always find activities to give us something to do.  Sometimes I think we do too much but the smiling kids make it all worth it.  Next month we start t-ball and hopefully swim lessons.  Soon it will be summer and then slide right in to homecoming.  I expect some challenges with reintegration but I know we can work through anything.