It definitely helps me to have a hobby or interest (or two) that can keep me busy while my husband is gone. Running is something that really helps me get through the hard times. It has a spiritual aspect for me that I really cannot explain.

This year I decided to run the Marine Corps Marathon and was hopeful that my husband was going to be here for it. When we found out that he wasn’t, I was devastated. I told him I was more upset about him missing the marathon than missing Thanksgiving (which I realize was rather selfish of me).

It is a good thing that I have great family and friends that agreed to come cheer me on, which I’m sure my husband was grateful for too. I have to say that even though my husband wasn’t there for it, it was a very powerful run. To see all the Marines (there must have been thousands of them) working the marathon, all the Veterans and supporters running it, I couldn’t help but be proud of my husband for what he does and feel bad that I gave him somewhat of a guilt trip for missing it. I didn’t really mean to do it, but sometimes I get so focused on how I’m going to feel when he leaves that I don’t take into account his feelings.

I guess you can chalk that up to a learning experience. Even after 4 deployments and currently going through our 5^th, there are still things I can learn about myself and hopefully be more conscious of next time.