Keeping In Touch During A Deployment

When I first heard the word deployment it rattled me. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was worried that communicating with my husband would be slim to none. We had been through various separations prior to deployment, and rarely had been able to stay in touch and I figured that a 12 month deployment would mean I would never hear from him. How could the Army allow that?

As we prepared for deployment we experienced various emotions and difficulties. Preparing ourselves really wasn’t something we had much time to do, so when it came to deciding on ways to stay in touch, the easiest ways worked best for us.

I have never been one of those people that could not live without her cellphone; I could take it or leave it. Nowadays, it is hard to find me anywhere in the house without that thing strapped to myself. When my husband finally left, my cell phone became a lifeline for me. Waiting anxiously for it to ring and carrying it everywhere with me, yes even to the bathroom. If I missed a call, I was a mess. Especially since there were no certain times during the day he would call, it would literally be hit or miss.

Skype was also a great way to stay in touch for us, since my son was only two and it was great for him to see daddy from time to time. We would end up chatting first, then bring my son in, after that he would usually be so excited he saw daddy that it was impossible to get a word in.

Overall, we would rather see each other in person and not have to deal with so many frequent and lengthy separations, but we count our blessings each day that we live in a time where technology allows us to be in contact quicker than a letter a can reach its destination.

More from our Real Military Wives:

• In The Army, Change is Imminent - But It's Not Always Bad
• What NOT To Do Before Your Husband Deploys
• Real "Coming Home" Stories: A Coast Guard Homecoming