Wednesday, May 27, 2009

A year ago today

A year ago today at this time I was getting Mya and Tay ready to go up to Salt Lake to meet Micah off the plane from Iraq. I cannot believe that a year has already gone by, when the year he was gone took SOO long to pass.
I am so proud of Micah. Even though it was really hard, it taught me a lot. I remember when he first found out he had to go, he was up north at drill and I cried and cried for the whole weekend he was gone and really didn't know how I would do it. Tay was only six weeks old and Mya was so hard to handle. I was bitter at first but decided that he was going whether I had a good or bad attitude, so I toughened up and tried to do the best I could. I have grown so much through this experience, and have learned that we are all a lot stronger than we think we are.
I am also very relieved to say he is out of the Army now. I was worried when he first got home that it would be hard to get back into the groove of things and also worried how it would affect Micah but I am glad to say unlike a lot of families who are torn apart and never the same after going to war, we are so fortunate to be doing well.
Here are just a few things I am glad to not have to do anymore by myself
Going to church by myself
Not having the priesthood in our home
Eating dinner without him and no grownup conversation
After putting the kids to bed just sitting alone for the couple of hours until I go to bed not having anyone to talk to.
Worrying how I would react if someone were to break in and Micah wasn't there to protect us
Not getting to go out to dinner of a movie with him
Hanging out with friends and trying not to feel like the third wheel.
Not being able to hand the Tay off when he was a baby and had bad nights. I remember being so tired and crying right along with him because I just needed a break.
Mowing the lawn and taking care of the yard
killing bugs
Not being able to open jars or fix certain things

The first year of being a normal family again has been great!

Here is a link to the video of him coming home.
Mya was so excited! You can here her squeal in the first video and in the second, she couldn't wait for him to get to her. There was caution tape keeping the crowd back and she ran right under it to see him.
http://micahandjulie.blogspot.com/2008/05/video-of-micahs-homecoming.html

7 comments:

Reagan said...

those videos are so sweet. how awesome that you can have them forever to remember mya's adorable squeel and your cheering friends. it made me tear up just a little bit!

I'm so happy that micah is back so that you can live normally. you are a very strong and amazing woman, julie!

Blackham said...

I know exactly what you mean. It is amzing the things you can do when you have to, but it is so nice to not have to worry about it. Even the simple things like you said like opening a jar!!! I can't believe it had been a year!!

Andrea said...

That year did go by quickly. So glad he's home for you!

Robyn Reynolds said...

I would have a really hard time alone too. I get so creeped out at night. Good thing you are so tuff. I am glad he is home to stay.

Sherrie said...

I am so glad that things are going well for you. I know how tough things must have been for you when Micah was gone. I have been there several times myself. I'm glad it's over for you and you have a full time husband at home. Love your blog!

tiffany said...

I saw a group of airmen get home this same day and i cried for you! :-) we are so glad he is home!! You are an amazing woman! love ya!

Brittany said...

It looks like you guys are having a fun summer so far! Your kids are so cute. We should plan a Rhino ride together sometime!