Less than four weeks after marrying Stephanie in the base chapel at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, it was time to deploy. Saying goodbye to Stephanie was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. However, I believed that God’s protection not only covered me but also my wife back home and our marriage. I believed I would come home safely someday, and that Stephanie would be there waiting for me when I finally did get home.
After the goodbye, I set foot on the plane to Kuwait and set aside thoughts of danger in order to think about the adventure that lay ahead. I had the chance to sit in the cockpit with the pilots from time to time on the way to JFK airport in New York. Just before landing the pilot pointed out Ground Zero to me, certainly reminding me of why I was doing what I was doing.
As I was enroute to the Middle East, my wife was in cap and gown, marching to “Pomp and Circumstance” before being handed her college degree at her graduation ceremony. While at a layover at JFK, I called my cell phone, that was being held by my mother-in-law. I heard Stephanie’s name called as she walked across the stage. It wasn’t the same as being there in person, but at least I could be part of it in that small way.
The next day, upon stepping off the plane, the desert heat was almost unbearable. As soon as my boots hit the ground, I could feel my skin prickle with sweat and my mouth go dry and we weren’t even under the pressure of combat. I could not imagine being able to survive it but knew I had no choice.
Meanwhile, back in Tennessee, Stephanie woke up to a suffocating emptiness. She could not imagine being able to survive that ache of loneliness, either, but knew she had no choice. Just days ago, we had been together, a complete unit. Now we were worlds apart and digging in for the long road ahead.
Lord, remind me of your presence and grant me your peace today.
“‘The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you… and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24–26)