I first came across this book through "Stars and Stripes" doing a book review. So, I bought a copy and mailed it to Ellicia (this was before our rollercoaster began). I was hoping it'd inspire and uplift her.
It has come to do the same for me.
The book is A Year of Absence (available on Amazon by clicking the link). It tells the story of the deployment of the 1st Armored Division's deployment to Iraq - from the point of view of six of the wives.
As I've said before, and often, many times the true struggle of the deployment... the real fight is not on the battlefield, but at home. Marriages are stressed, often broken; children lose touch with their parents; relationships change; and there is always the fear that the last goodbye was the final goodbye.
The 1st AD's deployment was a memorable one. It was just after the war ended and when we still were arrogant enough to think it'd be a short war, and the deployment was expected to be a few months... And it ended up being more. This is the deployment where Soldiers actually came home only to be sent back again (sometimes after only 1 night at home, sometimes, never quite making it back.) It was a trial on all sides.
And the stories of these wives will touch your Heart. Those spouses who've experienced deployments will find your stories in theirs. Those of us who've gone downrange may learn more about our spouses that we never knew before. And those supporting us back home - you'll learn where a lot of the support is truly needed. The troops get tons of support - the spouses are often alone in the wilderness.
I strongly encourage the reading of this book. It's not a large book; it's worth your time.
Give it as gifts to friends... share it. It'll open your mind, your eyes... and your Heart.
1 comment:
Thanks for the link! Deseerves to be posted at other blogs as well if it isn't already.
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