The News from Iraq and the Worry

3boys2anglz · **The News from Iraq and the Worry**

Sean's unit is now 5 days into the offensive in Baqubah and the news is filled with stories about what they are doing. A reporter from Stars and Stripes is embedded with his company so we are seeing a first hand look at life for our boys. Things seem to be rather controlled for now but the two things that worry me the most are the reports that his unit leading the offensive and is indeed doing most of the fighting and that this offensive is expected to go on for the next 45-60 days. How am I going to stay sane for that long? I wonder if you just become numb to it or if I can even possibly sustain the anxiety level I have now.

For anyone interested in all the news about his unit, there is a website dedicated to the Strykers (the vehicle his Infantry unit has): Stryker Brigade News

I find myself not wanting to leave the house for fear that someone will come to the door with the news and I will not know. I find myself worrying about so many things. How horrible it would be for our 14 year old babysitter if they came while I was at work (I only work 10 hours a week in the office). When I take the kids to the pool, I am so fearful that I am going to miss his call that I've thought about taking my phone in a ziplock bag and sitting on the edge with it near me. What is this going to do to that wonderful, strong willed, stubborn, goofy kid and how will this change him? Yesterday a woman came to the door passing out flyers about her church and she had to be confused about the look of panic and then relief when I opened the door.

This is going to be a long haul until he is home... I realize that I really need to start blogging again so I can get these feelings out as they threaten to overwhelm me. If you're interested, join me over there as I blog the journey through surviving having a child in harms way...

I cannot begin to thank all the wonderful people here who have send e-mails, PMs, read my rambling posts, included us in their prayers, etc. Some of you have family members there and can completely understand and some of you have small children and can imagine how hard this is but all of you have been kind, supportive and a lifeline.

taranbabyjayden · 06-22-2007, 08:12 AM

My prayers are with you and your family... My thoughts are this... Try not to worry yourself as much as your are... My husband was in Iraq when everything first started after 9/11 and I was being deployed at the same time, basically 1 week apart from one another... His job was more involved in the battle then mine, him convoys and stuff.. My job was an office job in the camps... I worried about things, but I lived my life, and kept myself sain.. This second time around, I got deployed to GTMO Cuba, and he went back over seas as a CIVILIAN, IMO its worse to be there as a Civilian, cause you dont have the army protection... I was worried then also, but lived my life, and worked, and all that great stuff...

Enjoy the time with your kids this summer... Dont worry yourself sick about missing that person coming to your door, just pray it never happens.. Enjoy life, and the kids....

Hope this helps.. Hugs....

3boys2anglz · 06-22-2007, 08:42 AM

Thanks so much for your reply. Logically I know this but emotionally it is a lot harder to do. I'm working on it....

stay@homemom · 06-22-2007, 11:42 AM

I can only imagine your fears. Please feel free to vent here. I hope everything goes well for him and you guys. Your in my prayers and thoughts everyday. Stay strong, and be proud of him, he is one of the few heroes of today.

BlueSky · 06-22-2007, 12:08 PM

Everything is going to be alright. Always have faith in God. Honestly though, if you are worrying about it right now just don't watch the news do something else that will keep your mind away from it. It helps.

USAFmom · 06-23-2007, 11:54 AM

I hate how ready the news is. It makes it so hard to try and live our lives normally while they are gone when we can see it on the news. I think that is what got to me the most. Big hugs and lots prayers.