The second series of Army Wives has started, and this morning whilst attacking my ironing pile I caught up on the first two episodes. Of course it is a dramatisation of living on an American Army Base, but of all the military programs, I think it is the closest to the truth. In the storyline some of the men are on deployment, and we see how the wives left behind miss them, and try to keep everything as normal as possible for themselves and their children.
One of the 'husbands' phoned home and when his 'wife' answered she just sagged onto the bed.
That is what it is like when Mr A. calls. That scene was just perfect in reflecting not only my face but my body when I answer that phone and it is Mr A. In the space of a millisecond I feel relief that he is okay, joy that I am speaking to him, and an ache that he is away. Hearing his voice and his laugh are the things I hold onto when I go to bed at night. And during that phonecall, nothing else exists for me but his voice.
He is on some shore leave now, and is doing an amazing trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand; then when they meet the ship again it will be to head home. I know this is the last leg, I know he will be heading our way soon, and I am excited, but that ache for him just never goes away. At night when I get into bed, I put my hand on his pillow and wish him goodnight, wherever he is, and my heart cries a little.
PS: I know that he is only on Exercise and not on Deployment so therefore the risks are greatly reduced.....but the fact that one of the guys got bitten by a viper makes it all too real, and I know I am realistic in my concern.
