 |
Spouse CallsJoin the conversation with Stripes columnist Terri Barnes, as she explores issues relevant to the lives of military spouses. |
The gift of friends
Posted December 21st, 2007 by Terri Barnes in
During this holiday season, a family emergency called me back to the States. With all that an unplanned trip of that nature requires, I saw several of this year's Spouse Calls subjects come to life like friendly ghosts of columns past.
From Red Cross notification and verification, military provision of airfare for emergencies, to guest passes and driving privileges for visiting family members, I was reminded of the importance of good information in a difficult situation.
My mother was here for a 3-week tour of as many Christmas markets as we could manage, but her visit went from vacation to vocation in a short time, as she offered to stay here in Germany with our children, so that I could accompany my husband (who flew in from Iraq) back to the States.
No column subject was as applicable, however, as the one that appears this Sunday. (Click here to read Dec. 23 Spouse Calls.)
This week's Spouse Calls is all about friends, and friends were the resource that saw us through. My friends here in Germany became my mom's support network, just as they are mine. They checked on her daily, made commissary and post office runs for her. They made sure that she was able to attend my daughter's Christmas choir concert, took her to lunch and even to a Christmas market. Many more were praying for all of us.
In addition, since my husband was not here for some of the planning stages, friends in his unit made sure that all the necessary paperwork was covered. Several friends, both active duty and spouses took us to and from the airport.
In November, I spoke to a group of spouses in Heidelberg. My subject was friends and how much we need them as military spouses. Even with the multiple military organizations that serve as a safety net in difficult times, there is no substitute for friends in times of need. Little did I know how soon my words would be proven true by my own friends.
So, to Kelli and Kelly, Renee', Joel, Sheila, Randy, Scott and John, and to many others who were thinking of me and probably helped in ways I don't even realize, thank you for proving the priceless nature of friendship.
To all of you who read these pages: A merry and blessed Christmas.
Sincerely,
Terri
And as your friend from
And as your friend from afar, it just killed me that I was not able to help at all because I am a "Do-er." I like to take action and help out and when you flew back to the states somehow it made me feel so close to you but I could only lift you up in prayer. I know those family situations can be traumatic especially during holiday times and I am so happy to know that other friends pulled through! Although I never doubted they would! Military wives are just so faithful like that...I am proud to be a part of that sorority.
I am keeping a big jolly black lab for a friend this holiday so that she and her family can "go back home" and visit where they have not been in seven years. I know it means so much to her and we are happy to have company for our Maggie! It is so little trouble for us. We are happy to help a friend in need!
We truly are blessed to have friends!
You are never far!
Dear Nancy,
You know you are never far from me, no matter where we live. I have friends here in Germany whom I inherited from you! Yours is the friendship that never stops giving. I knew you were praying for me, and Scott was a huge help, as you know.
You have helped me before from a distance. Remember when I was moving from Luke to Japan by myself? You were at McChord, so you made a phone call to the ladies at the chapel and told them I needed help. They came and practically cleaned my whole house in one day. Then you let me stop over at your house for a week with all three kids before we flew out of SEA-TAC on our way out of the country.
That was the best part. There is no substitute for Nancy in person, and I can't wait for our next visit!
Love to you and all the boys and Maggie!
Merry Christmas,
Terri
Our next visit
Things are really coming together for my visit! A church member called here the other night and offered me his Frequent Flyer Miles for my trip to Germany. I was so blessed, I cried and could hardly speak to answer his questions about dates and airports. I told him I would be sure to tell him as soon as I knew any of that. Now I am thinking I am going to come on the 15th and stay for two weeks!
I am really getting excited!
Nancy