New Year's Call

I slept better last night than I have in a week. I had just gotten in bed when TB called. He said he hoped he didn’t wake me, but it was the best time to call. When I told him it was not quite midnight, still New Year's Day for me, he fussed, wanting to know why I was still up. It’s always wonderful to hear his voice and his laugh. He didn’t share much about his mission but he made sure I knew to expect long absences in the future. Just that little bit helps me have the right mindset when he’s silent for long periods of time. From the few things he mentioned, I know it was a tough mission. When he got back the power was out so there were no lights, no heat (as usual), and after being gone for nearly a week he couldn’t take a shower. It was more than a little depressing, but he got to his bed and found loads of mail! He was so happy to get the boxes with food and other things he and his men needed, but he said after everything he’d been through and the way he was feeling, the best mail was the cards and letters from me that said exactly what he needed to hear.


We never know how something we say or do will touch someone. TB was home on leave when I wrote those letters. There was no reason for me to write extra words of encouragement and love at that time. He received them exactly when he needed them, though. TB marvels at that. I’m just happy the things I send and the words I write help him get through the difficult times.