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Saturday, April 2, 2011

People's Choice: March...I Heart Faces



It's been awhile, but I am joining in at I Heart Faces this week...and lucky you, you get to vote
(I am # 128)!

This photo is very personal.  My husband is a Chaplain in the Army and is leaving for Afghanistan in a few days...not the ideal situation right now, but a sacrifice that I know all to well and understand needs to be made.  We've done a 15 month tour prior to this, though I don't think it will compare since we now have a little one and another on the way.  I think as an adult, deployment is a bit easier to rationalize...but try explaining it to a two and half year old and you have another story.

It broke my heart this week.  J woke up in the morning after his Daddy had already left for work (he usually wakes up before he leaves for the office).  He ran into our bedroom after he got out of bed and burst into tears.  After consoling him a bit, I asked him what the matter was.  He asked, "Mommy, did Daddy have to leave?"  He was sure that Bryan was on a plane and gone already.  

We have been telling him that Daddy is going on a long trip soon and that his job is to tell soldiers about Jesus and to help them when they need a friend.  I knew he was listening, but didn't realize that the scope of what he understood was so much bigger than our simple explanation.  I assured J that Daddy would be home in just a little while and he asked if he could call him.  When Bryan answered, J promptly told him, "I miss you, Daddy!  Are you coming home?"  

I spent most of the day in tears...J's buddy is leaving.  I am pretty sure that he does not enjoy playing baseball with me as much as he does Daddy...and I am also pretty sure that my wrestling capabilities have been hindered due to a small human taking over the inside of my body...Still, I cling to the promise that the Lord never gives us anything that we can't handle without Him.  I know I can't take Daddy's place, but I pray that I am able to be exactly what Josiah needs while he is away.  

This photo and post are for all of our military families serving across the world.  Your quiet and selfless sacrifices do not go unnoticed.  And I love you for what you do.

Much Love, Jessica





10 comments:

  1. Best wishes to you and your family, and you've captured a lovely moment.

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  2. I love the photo and will definately vote for you!...As for the deployment, anything you need, I'm here for you! I know all too well that doesn't make up for what we're about to face, but just know you're not alone at all. We'll go through this together and God will prevail in the end! Love You!

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  3. awesome, amazing photo Jess!! I love it. Such a tender moment.
    off to vote.

    love you!

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  4. well lady, you cleared my sinuses again!!! i love you and wish i could be there to hug you in the coming weeks!

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  5. Jessica I pray the time will go quickly til your husband is home again! What a precious photo and all the better in b/w!! A dear memory made!

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  6. Oh Wow! Powerful. Moving. Touching.

    Love this image. God bless you and your family.

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  7. Love this picture! Touching and sweet

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  8. Thank you so much, everyone! Our family and soldiers covet your prayers!

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  9. you are invited to follow my blog

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