Twenty-One tips for surviving Your Soldier's Deployment

This posting is of some tips from a mom that has a son with the 2nd-503rd. We communicate regularly and I thought it would help my readers that have familey members deployed. It is a great read. My favorites are 1, 4, 6,7, and maybe 7 again and 14, 16, 17 and lastly 19. Vickie, you rock!

1. Begin each day with a prayer. (it may be the only time you can be sure someone is listening to you!)

2. Don't engage in conversation with anti-war protestors. Your son is a soldier, no one is more anti-war then you are, you've just got enough common-sense to know that sometimes, when the cause is just, brave men must take a stand.

3. Display that yellow ribbon. You're going to be a bit short-tempered, tired and cranky...this helps the innocent understand why!

4. Remember...red wine is good for the heart, so take care of your heart.and have a glass...or two.

5. Whine is not good for your heart, avoid it at all costs. See number 4 above, for the right type of wine.

6. Plant something. It's good therapy to watch something grow.

7. Write right. Write to your soldier often, they love to get mail. But write the right stuff, be encouraging, cheerful and supportive. No whining (remember number 5 above!)

8. Turn off the news, and the computer. Everything in moderation, if you feel a compulsion to check the news every hour, you're becoming obsessed, unplug the electronics and pick up a book. NO WAR stories allowed...at this point in your life Tom Clancey is NOT your friend.

9. Don't do drugs. Avoid all drugs legal or otherwise (anti-depressents, sleep aids etc) Your nerves are screwed up enough without adding chemicals to the equation. Remember Wine is Not a drug...see number 4 above!

10. Hug someone. Personal direct contact is a great stress relief, and it's awesome to know someone cares. However, avoid hugging strangers in department stores...this could lead to arrest, detention, and the prescription of medications (refer to 9 above)

11. Babysit. Nothing can bring more joy and distraction to your life then a young child. If you're really worried about your soldier babysit multiple toddlers. They'll keep you busy, plus it's helpful to remember that not only your soldier has lived through a day in hell.

12. No diets. Let's be serious, there's no way a diet will succeed while your soldier is at war, dont set yourself up for failure. You're going to overeat, so enjoy it...search out comfort foods and brag about it. If you find something that really works...email me! (skip to 13 below)

13. Chocolate is your friend. Nothing more needs to be said here.

14. Order flat-rate boxes from the post office. You're going to be mailing things often, so you might as well save a few dollars when you can. Dollars saved can be better spent on number 4 and 13 above.

15. Remember your son is a solider. He's not simply your little boy anymore. He's a lean mean fighting machine, trained by the best military leaders in the world. He's stronger then you can imagine, and he CAN and WILL handle anything the enemy throws his way.

16. You are more then a parent. You are not just mom or dad, you are a soldiers direct support system. Step up to the plate and fill your roll. Pray, write, send packages etc (re-read numbers 1, 7 and 14)...if you feel your cheerful support flagging...turn to #4 and 13...if it's a really sucky day...you can combine 4 and 13!

17. You are not alone. America has sent over 120,000 of her finest into harms way this year. Build a support system with other soldier parents. No one can relate to what you're going through like a fellow Army Mom or dad.

18. Anticipate the Homecoming. This deployment is only a year in the life of your son. He WILL be coming home. Prepare and look forward to the day. Clean his room, paint him a picture, sew him a quilt. Stay busy with positive action.

19. Prepare for emergencies. Pray for the best, prepare for the worst. Chances are extremely good that your son will come through this deployment with nothing more then scary stories and bad dreams. However, you should be prepared for the unlikely event that he is injured and you must hop a plane to the Military hospital in Germany. Get your passport, keep emergency funds handy, and always have your contact information up to date.

20. Don't skip meals, or sleep. Your son needs you strong, you cant be the parent he needs if your body is wore out. Some days you'll have to force yourself to eat (dont laugh it could happen), and make yourself go to sleep. Take care of yourself... it's ok to enjoy wine WITH your meal..just not in place of the meal!

and last but not least...

Laugh More and cry less.... Seek out the people places and things that fill your heart with happiness. There may be a lot of absolute crap out there in the world, but overall it's a wonderful place, filled with good people. Surround yourself with loving friends, who are generous with their hugs, kind words, happy stories....chocolates...and RED WINE!!!

Love and prayers,
Vickie