Today is a day that we honor the men and women who are serving and have served the US. To all those that have served, are serving and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, I salute you today and thank you for your service.
As some of you are aware, my husband is retired from the military and my oldest son is currently serving. It's a tough life in some ways and oh so rewarding in others. This is where I first built community and the sense of family among those that are not actually blood related. I would like to share a story from that time in my life with you today.
I thought I was the pretty good military spouse. It started the day before we got married; my husband to be showed up in jungle fatigues to our rehearsal and that didn't faze me. I handled the long weeks in the field, extended training exercises and the phone calls at work from some voice that simply said, "Mrs. Garst, your husband has been deployed". I knew better than to ask when he would return. I even handled the death of friends and supported their families the best I could. Yep, did all that and I thought I had it all under control. As strange as it may sound, it was our way of life and we all banded together, supported one another and just did what needed to be done.
On March 4, 2002, my world turned upside down. I had lived with worry on the fringes of my life for so long that I became comfortable with it and thought I had it in a safe little place where it couldn't control my life. You see, my husband was always in harm's way. It was the job he chose and one that I knew made him happy. I supported that choice and harnessed the fear that someday he might not come home.
I got a phone call that morning, before 7:00 a.m., from another spouse. You know when your phone rings that early that something is wrong. She was crying hysterically and it took me a few minutes to get it out of her. I kept hearing CNN in what she was trying to tell me. You see we all tuned into CNN as we figured we would see it there before the unit told us anything. I rushed to turn on the TV as I tried to make sense of what she was saying.
The news was a helicopter was down and it was ours.
Fear spread through my body and life stood still for a few minutes. It's hard to explain what goes through your head at a time like that. I know there are some that are reading this that have experienced this. The best way to describe it is paralyzing. My oldest son was only 11 at the time and he looked at me and said, "What's wrong Mom?" That simple question snapped me back to reality. I realized that I had to pull myself together and protect the boys from what was happening until I knew what was happening.
Throughout the day, tidbits of undocumented info…the rumor mill at its finest, kept emerging and I heard through the grapevine that supposedly my husband was wounded but alive. My husband always told me to not believe anything unless someone from the unit came and told me personally. The phone rang off the hook throughout the day as wives were reaching out to each other to see if anyone has gotten 'the' visit.
It was almost 12 hours of beating back the fear for me and my family before I found out that my husband was safe and sound. He was walking to the aircraft when someone rushed up and offered to take his place. It has always amazed me how the small events in our daily lives lead to bigger things. In this case, this small event saved my husband from harm. The one who took his place that day was indeed wounded. Some other families were not so fortunate.
I share this story today, this Memorial Day, so that you can get a glimpse into how much military families endure so that good men and women can serve their country.
To all those that have fought and given the ultimate sacrifice; you are not forgotten!
Blessings to you and yours this Memorial Day!
KIM
About Kim
Wow. Amazing story. It's hard not to believe in fate (one way or another) when you hear of things like this – your husband getting replaced on the helicopter like that. Thanks for sharing and glad he's okay. Hope he continues to be.
Small things that become BIG. Always amazes me!
Love this article Kim! You are such a strong person as are all military wives and children. You have my total gratitude and respect. Blessings~denny
I love this article too and I totally agree with Denny. You have my total gratitude and respect too! Have a wonderful day.
You also got my respect. Kim. Thank you for sharing this story to us.!
Thanks for sharing your side of the story Kim. So many times the families are not heard.
Oh wow Kim! My brother-in-law is a marine and I worry sick for my sister when he's deployed. God does have a plan and the smallest things make a difference!
Thank you for sharing that Kim. We certainly do not think of these things when thinking of the military. Takes one to know one and we so don't have a clue… x0x
Thank you, Norma!
Hi there! Just read your Memorial Day note. I am a military retiree after 35 years of service and a believe in Jesus. I know, in spite of trajedies to ourselves and others, that there are no coincidences in our lives. Bless you today, friend.
I totally believe this to be true as well, David! I am a firm believer that God’s hand saved my husband on more than one occasion!
Thank you Kim for sharing your perspective. Coming from a family that is not a military family it helps me understand on a deeper level what you endure on a daily basis. Bless you all.
Appreciate your comments, Gretchen
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WOW! What a powerful article! I just can't imagine…thank you for sharing!
I have read your story thank you and it made me cry. To day is Father's Day he had been in the Navy in Korea war. he lived to 82 years old has just past from Cancer. I was a very sad day and times. I find my self reliving his painful last days. But am glad he has moved on now because he suffered so much. I have been reading your post your Blessed to be cleared yourself. I Prayed you would be. My Daught Amanda and her new Husband Dan are active now in England in the Airforce. I have been blessed. I have a lots of love for you I thank you for reaching out to me as always. So about the link I sent you sorry I was not up to standerd. It (e-book) download to my cell phone but not to the computer not to worrie. I can still read it at 44 small print lol i am ready for glasses. I have been activly trying to write many blogs on many subjects. I put God 1st, Socail-Media-action-Manager, FamailyandFriendsPraise. That's what I write about oh and Recovery with out witch I could not be alive to love God Family and USA.
Happy Father's Day to your Father and Hubby. God Blessings Thank You for your active encuragment.
Kate Perry
Hi Kim, thanks for sharing that. I think you can write a book on that experience. It is so powerful. Then conclude where you are at today. Just saying. Beat Mueller
I think I could! Thanks for dropping by Beat!
One Love, God Bless. Amazing story! I Love it! Very Interesting! God Is Good. #sk
Have A Tremendous Day! #sk
Thanks for dropping in Richardo!
Kim, I am so grateful to God that you had such a blessing in keeping your husband safe! It's amazing how God works wonders! I feel so much compassion for military and veterans since I have relatives who have been in the military and I've known veterans who had lost everything, including being injured and not having a place to live. I am sooo glad for the way God watched over you and your family!!! Have an awesome day!!!
We have been sooo blessed for sure!
I used to tell others that if they couldn’t stand with me, nose to nose in a windstorm, they need to fall out. Your husband stood, and stood tall.
Thank you for your support of our warriors. past, present, and future.
Thank you Gibson!