Husband left for boot camp - gone for 9 months

((((HUGS)))) I can imagine how you are feeling.

This could be a great resource http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-info/deployment/support-groups/
http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/newbies-and-brides/how-spouses-survive-boot-camp.html

I am so sorry! I cannot imagine what you are going through. Take it one day at a time. Also please know I appreciate the sacrifice you are both making. :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

-raises hand- Military spouse here!

I'm going to be honest: There is no cure for the heartache of missing a spouse who is deployed somewhere else.

But there are ways to manage it! Countdowns are obviously the most helpful for visually minded people. Like making paper chains...one link for each day. I know that for 9 months that's a crapton of links and it might not look pretty on your wall but taking one of each day is a great reminder that you have one less day between you and your reunion.

Write letters when available. Always.

And definitely look into a spousal support group. There are many spouses who get together a few times a week/month to just chat and be there for each other. Craft nights, book clubs, movie outings...you name it! They know where you are and they can help.

I'm sorry you're having to go through this. And yes it's 100% normal to feel angry toward him for "leaving" you. I sobbed hysterically for 3 days straight when my husband left on that boot camp bus.

If you need anything feel free to message me!

My situation wasn't the same, but my boyfriend and I were forced to do long distance for about six months due to work. The first couple of weeks I was insanely emotional and unhappy, but I slowly adjusted. It's hard at first because such a big part of your life is suddenly not where it's supposed to be, but it will get easier as time goes on and you get used to functioning without him around.

Thank you for your family's service!

Congratulations! You are about to become a part of a very elite group of women. The military spouse, there has been a long line of special women that have come before you, paving the way, doing a job that not many are cut out for, and you will help to pave the way for those special women that come after you.

The military spouse is one job that requires a special type of woman to endure over the long haul of a career. You will do a job that we as current and retired military members can only salute you in our hearts and with a smile on our faces, and say thank you with all the gratitude that we can muster, knowing that the job that you do and the tasks you endure at home while your husband is away defending the freedom of a nation are not a job for most. You will be one of America’s unsung heroes at home, doing a job that you won’t be paid for, most other women will have no idea what you have to endure, nor understand the commitment required, and the strength that will be needed to keep a house running smoothly, maintain a day to day schedule, and perform a whole list of other jobs that would make most cringe, but you have the support of others that have strength to lend to you in the beginning, you won’t walk alone. Just as you grow and evolve, you will lend your strength to those that come after you.

I, along with my brothers and sisters in arms can only say, as I said to my wife, thank you. Thank you for making the choice to stand with your serviceman, rather than running from the challenge.

I was a military wife too; husband is no longer active duty. I was 24 when he joined and we lived together at the time. Obviously it's different without kids, but I feel like every military spouse understands. During boot camp, I wrote a letter every day. It was my way of talking to him; just like I was having a conversation. I moved in with two roommates and they would make fun of me for writing every night, but it helped. He got more letters than anyone.

My husband was gone for 8 months, 8 weeks for boot and 6 months for A-School. Honestly, you get used to it. You have to go on with your days like you normally would. The night time right before bed was the worst, because that was always our "catch up on our day" time and Sundays were bad for me because it was our lazy day together.

I definitely had my angry days, not necessarily at him, but at the fact that I had to be alone and deal with our normal life, bills, cat, etc while he was away. It's normal, being a military spouse is not for everyone. It's extremely hard. You can call him after boot camp right? My husband was in CA and I was in FL, so the time difference was hard, but it's great to at least be able to communicate. Skype wasn't invented back then; but it's a great tool now!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. There's no right or wrong way to deal.

I'm a military wife of 8 yrs. This lifestyle is tough but it truly makes you stronger. Keep busy if you can, makes the time go faster. Get some military wife friends that understand what you're going thru and depend on your support system - family, friends, etc. You aren't alone! Feel free to add me...