Deployment thoughts

T-1 week

I missed out on the weekly wrap this week, and honestly hadn’t planned to post until my husband leaves next week. It’s now very real as he is home packing up all of his gear today. #allthesobs after seeing these pics…
Someone isn't pleased...
Someone isn’t pleased…
Time to pack...I'm not ready.
Time to pack…I’m not ready.
But I am trying to focus on the good, so here goes…
Our weekend was wonderful, having spent it with my parents as they flew in from Arizona.  We visited the city, ate yummy good food, and just enjoyed each other’s company.  We went to the city on Saturday and enjoyed the unseasonably warm Chicago weather we were given that day (it’s snowing today…really?!?).  We took the train down, and hit up our favorite places to eat, Quartino and MK.  We also did a bit of shopping, but more so just walked around and had fun together.  My parent’s had NEVER been to The Bean, so we of course had to get an obligatory Bean selfie.  I skipped my long run this weekend, and am 110% ok with that, especially since we walked over 5 miles on Saturday.  I’ve pretty much decided I will only run the half in May, but that’s another post in itself.
Waiting for the train!
Waiting for the train!
Our favorite!
Our favorite!
YUM!
YUM!
Just us!
Just us!
Shopping at Eataly
Shopping at Eataly
#beanselfie
#beanselfie
Dinner at MK
Dinner at MK
He truly is the love of my life
He truly is the love of my life
Daddy and his girls
Daddy and his girls
Grandparent LOVE!
Grandparent LOVE!
When they brought this desert out to him, he lost it..."I'll see you in my dreams..."
When they brought this desert out to him, he lost it…”I’ll see you in my dreams…”
Sunday, we got home from having lunch with my sister’s family and wishing my parents safe travels home, and I was feeling pretty sad. Yet here’s what changed my mood: My neighbor AND girlfriend made this beautiful flier for me, passed it out to the neighborhood, and a neighbor that I hadn’t met had stopped by to offer her support.  I was just in awe, and am still so touched there really are no words.
6
In less than a week, he will be gone and I still have trouble imagining this next year without him.  I know, it’s probably tiring to read the same thing over and over, but I somehow have to get it off my chest because it literally feels like an elephant is sitting on my heart.  BUT…the day he leaves, starts the countdown to his return and I found this super cool app for my phone.
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Thanks for all of your amazing support and prayers.  We truly appreciate it!
How’s the weather where you are at?  Have you had to scale back on a race due to real life before?
Cheers!
Michelle

31 thoughts on “T-1 week”

  1. You are such a beautiful woman and I just love you and your family to pieces. I’m so glad you had a wonderful weekend together. Such special memories that will fill your hearts. You can talk about it anytime you want to. We’re here for you. That app for your phone is awesome. Xoxoxoxo!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Summer usually waits until the end of March here in northern California, but it came early this year. On the first of the month it was already 80 degrees! If you enjoy warm weather and low humidity, this is the place for you!

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  3. I teared up over the card that your neighbor made. It was so beautiful, and it made it all to real (even for me!).
    Just know that there is so much love for you, your husband, and your family. So, so much love.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Sounds like such a lovely weekend. I’ve been to Chicago a few times, my SIL used to live there, but we never went to the bean.

    I find writing about things always helps. I guess it’s why I’m drawn to writing, although I don’t consider myself a great writer.

    OMG, WHAT a sweet neighbor. Sending you positive vibes.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, Michele. I can write, but I know the real deal when I read it and it’s not me. I have many other talents that I’m happy to claim, except I continue to write and not do those other things. Ironic, no?

        Liked by 1 person

  5. That is so great that your parents were able to come be with you for the weekend. And I love that flyer your neighbor made, it is so thoughtful! And it’s not tiring reading your blog. It’s your place to write about whatever you want and whatever you need to get off your chest 🙂

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  6. What an amazing flier from your friend! And an amazing weekend with your family! I am hoping the days on that app feel like they fly by for you 🙂

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  7. Michelle. Please, tell us everyday that you miss him. It’s ok

    And seriously? Your neighbours? THE. BEST. But that also shows how awesome you guys are.

    I’ve said it before…I love you and your husband. And we’ll be here for you over the next year. Please lean on us.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. So happy you found my blog so I could find yours. First of all, please THANK your husband for his service to our country. I’m sending you virtual hugs for a speedy year.

    My son and daughter-in-law moved to Chicago last summer. We visited in September and that was my first time there. We’re going back in May so I can run the Chicago Spring Half Marathon with them! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Aw, Michelle. My heart goes out to you. But I also can’t help but be amazed by how lucky you are to have such a great relationship (some people who see each other day don’t even have that kind of closeness), a beautiful family, and a supportive neighborhood. I know this next year will be hard, but I hope running and your community of support, friends, and family will help you get through it with the grace so evident in your blog.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As my Mom said just last week…we are so blessed to have such a strong family that is so close. But this will also make it even harder to be apart. Today my heart physically aches but I know we will get through this tough time. Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

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