Truly Bittersweet

The word bittersweet is used quite often, I'm sure, by many different people.  Sometimes I can understand why they used it, other times I'm not quite so sure.  However, I'm pretty sure that I have the TRUE meaning of bittersweet figured out!

Well, I found out on Sunday about the passing of Keith's grandmother, and it was the first "bad news" I had to tell him since he was gone.  Initially he took it pretty well, and decided it would be harder to come home than was worth it.  However, yesterday he called me back and explained that it had just "hit him" and that he felt as if he needed to come home.  I'm not sure how many of you ladies have experienced the helpless feeling of having the one that you love crying on the phone miles and miles away, but I found myself in that situation and hating it!  I just wanted to be there to hold him and comfort him, but I was unable--so words had to try to soothe him.  It turns out that he IS coming home for the funeral, which is Saturday.  So now, albeit a terrible reason for him to have to come home, I GET TO SEE HIM!!!  He'll fly in Friday and leave late Sunday night.  It is a blessing and the work of God's hand that I don't have to work this weekend, so I will get to spend every second with him!  I'm very excited to see him, even if it's just for 3 days.  

So, yes, his grandmother passed away (which is bitter--but truly a blessing in her condition), but I get to see my soldier (so so so sweet)!  Instead of three weeks, it will be less than three days until we are together again, for a short time!  Keep us in your prayers as we get to say HELLO but are also forced to say goodbye one more time!

Avril Lavigne - When You're Gone Military Tribute

The joyous task of "keeping busy"

I have found in the short month that Keith has been gone that time goes by MUCH faster when your hands are busy.  So, each day I have off I seem to make these never-ending "to do" lists that will most definately keep me busy for the entire day.  It seems odd to me that on my days off, I don't simply rest and enjoy being away from the hectic hospital environment.  But no no, if I do that, I soon find myself missing my husband all too much.  

So today, the plans are to venture out to the big bad laundromat (I'm not even sure how to spell that!).  Since we have a cat, hair tends to accumulate everywhere, especially on our beautiful brown comforter.  So, today is the day that it will finally get washed!  I am actually sort of looking forward to this adventure, as I tend to be quite a people watcher.  I am so fascinated by people that are very different than me, and this is what I intend to encounter at the laundromat.  It's amazing to me how God has created us each differently.  And while we are so acclimated to how our person (and those that we love) may act, we are simply fascinated by the situations and actions of those that we rarely encounter.  However, it takes some of each kind to fulfill the will of God.  So today, I will be challenged to reach out to someone that is different than me--step into their shoes for a few hours, and enjoy what I experience.  I hope that God gives you opportunities to do the same--whether it is on the bus, at school, or at the laundromat! 

The beginning of a public journal

I decided to join the blogging craze as it might be a great way to keep people updated on our lives.  Keith is currently still in Texas and loving every minute (well, almost--we all know how much of a morning person he is).  He is enjoying leading services every week and interacting with the soldiers.  It sounds like they are really opening up to him and are able to count on him for great counsel, which makes his job even better.

I am keeping busy at work.  I work at Creighton in med-surg trauma.  It is always exciting and busy--which I love.  I have about 2 days of orientation left and then they're setting me free!  Both Keith and I are looking forward to the end of March when we get to see each other before he heads over to Iraq.  We are meeting in Dallas and going to spend some time enjoying the city we used to call home.  It's amazing how fast time has gone already--he has been gone for about 6 weeks, only 45 left!