There is nothing quite like standing in the breaking light, with a crowd of people, and listening to The Last Post. Those moments when you let your mind wander, thinking of what was, what is, and what might be.
Today, ANZAC Day 2013, is the day Daddy L was originally due home from Afghanistan. Tonight he would have been meeting now 4 week old Mr J for the very first time. Instead, he got to come home (thanks to a wonderful boss) when Mr J was only 1 week old. This is just one thing, albeit the biggest thing, Daddy L has sacrificed in his service. We will never get the birth of Mr J back to have together. But that's OK. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful birth photographer (check out Rachel McLaren Photography on Facebook), and Daddy L was on the phone for the whole 18min of labour (dont hate, lol) and heard Mr J's first cry. We then got to Skype once Mr J was born and I could work my tablet.
Giving birth whilst your partner is on the other side of the world is not ideal by any means but there are worse things. My baby got to meet his daddy, and he won't remember that daddy wasn't here. Some kids sadly aren't so lucky. So i am thankful for that. Daddy L has missed countless birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions & 2 Christmases due to the 'green mistress'. For all of the things he miss it can be easy to forget everything he gives. He loves Australia with such passion that he is prepared to sacrifice for her. He goes along (with minimal complaints) with whatever his mistress demands.
Will he be Army for life? I don't know. Army will always be part of our lives regardless. Daddy L will never get those missed family times back. I will remember the 6 months Mr S & I had just each other whenever i think of him as a toddler. Whenever i think about my pregnancy with Mr J I will remember that i did it without Daddy L by my side. When I think about the birth of Mr J I am proud to be a strong army wife that was able to do that without Daddy L physically there.
All defence families have a story. Sometimes we resent the sacrifices. On days like today we are reminded what those sacrifices mean on a larger scale. I could not be more proud of Daddy L and his commitment & dedication. Our boys will grow up knowing what their Daddy has given up for them. They will learn about the history & tradition of the ANZAC legend. They will also soon be awarded their own medals for being kids of deployments.
So that all being said, how did we spend ANZAC day? Daddy L chose to spend the day with the reason he makes sacrifices - his family. We reflected as a family on the sacrifices made before us to ensure the way of life we now enjoy. We reflected on the sacrifices Daddy L has made. We spent the day enjoying each other.
I am very proud of Daddy L, and whilst some days I resent the green mistresses, I am proud to be part of her family. I hope everyone took some time today to think about our brave ANZACs, whether you attended a dawn service, march, or just in your own way at home.
Giving birth whilst your partner is on the other side of the world is not ideal by any means but there are worse things. My baby got to meet his daddy, and he won't remember that daddy wasn't here. Some kids sadly aren't so lucky. So i am thankful for that. Daddy L has missed countless birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions & 2 Christmases due to the 'green mistress'. For all of the things he miss it can be easy to forget everything he gives. He loves Australia with such passion that he is prepared to sacrifice for her. He goes along (with minimal complaints) with whatever his mistress demands.
Will he be Army for life? I don't know. Army will always be part of our lives regardless. Daddy L will never get those missed family times back. I will remember the 6 months Mr S & I had just each other whenever i think of him as a toddler. Whenever i think about my pregnancy with Mr J I will remember that i did it without Daddy L by my side. When I think about the birth of Mr J I am proud to be a strong army wife that was able to do that without Daddy L physically there.
All defence families have a story. Sometimes we resent the sacrifices. On days like today we are reminded what those sacrifices mean on a larger scale. I could not be more proud of Daddy L and his commitment & dedication. Our boys will grow up knowing what their Daddy has given up for them. They will learn about the history & tradition of the ANZAC legend. They will also soon be awarded their own medals for being kids of deployments.
So that all being said, how did we spend ANZAC day? Daddy L chose to spend the day with the reason he makes sacrifices - his family. We reflected as a family on the sacrifices made before us to ensure the way of life we now enjoy. We reflected on the sacrifices Daddy L has made. We spent the day enjoying each other.
I am very proud of Daddy L, and whilst some days I resent the green mistresses, I am proud to be part of her family. I hope everyone took some time today to think about our brave ANZACs, whether you attended a dawn service, march, or just in your own way at home.
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Lest we forget
Daddy L 'meeting' Mr J for the first time
Mr J is 4 weeks old today, and a chubby 4.6kg <3
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