The positives

I have been drowning in negativity, so here is the bright side of deployment. None of these things makes it all OK, but it does make it hurt a little less.In this year I learned about myself. I learned that even when I felt like I would totally fall apart, I didn't. I learned that I am tired of taking shit from anyone, and I learned that when I stand up for myself, I get results. I learned that sometimes it's nice to have total control of the TV and eating choices. I am stronger than I thought I was. I assembled furniture alone, took my car for maintenance,and carried many heavy things. I have found true friends in other Army wives, who are more like family than friends. I have learned setting boundaries makes me a much happier person. I am not as paranoid anymore, when he first left, any sound and I was at the window, gun in hand, now I've calmed down.I have learned that you really can't understand a deployment until you live it, and that all kinds of people think they know what it's like. You don't. I have gone a year with no hugs and kisses, an empty bed, and short phone calls. I have survived.