"We" went to see The King's Speech. It was a really good movie. And, in true Tiffany style, it wasn't too late, but late enough that Matt would have been happy. I save all the midnight showings for his movies- like Transformers 3 when it comes out.
I actually really enjoyed myself. When Matt and I went to movies before, I would always get cold. His mom bought me a Slanket, and Matt teased me and called it my woobie. I started bringing that with me to the freezing movie theater. He had his ear pieces to protect his ears and hearing- can't risk being grounded. That is my ever smart and cautious hubby.
Well, he would even remind me of my woobie before we left. "Honey, did you grab your woooooobie?" Sometimes he would even grab it for me if we were rushing out the door.
Tonight, I put on makeup, got dressed in date-worthy clothes (ie. not a t-shirt or sweatshirt), put on the perfume he gave me, and headed out in his truck. Normally, he would have turned on my seat warmer as I was rushing around finding the 90 things I forgot that I thought I would need before I got to the truck, held my hand and been the driver. Also, we would have gotten there about 15 minutes before the previews started, being so excited to sit through the 15 minutes of local commercials (and sometimes making fun of them). We would have shared the drink, 1/2 Cherry Coke and 1/2 Diet Coke. He would have gotten Junior Mints, but only because they don't have York Peppermint Patties, and he did ask every time. We would have gotten in to our seats, me covering up in my hot pink woobie, and him acting like he was embarrassed of me. We would have teased and joked, and then snuggled in together. Once the lights dimmed, I would wrap him up with me, and we would snuggle together throughout the movie, me squeezing his arm, or his arm wrapped around me. Gosh, I miss those movie dates.
Tonight, I grabbed my stuff, took only the bare necessities and headed out the door. I was there right in time to get my drink (all Cherry Coke) and for the previews to start. Of course, I wanted to see every movie that was in the previews. I could hear in the back of my head him saying "that looks retarded". And, I thought back, "eh, maybe, but I think it looks cute", "but honey, its a Loooove story" and "I love it when Matthew McConaughey plays a lawyer".
The movie was good. I sat, wrapped in my woobie all by myself, with one side a little thicker than the other. I used that as my cushion for my arm, and enjoyed the movie.
When I was finished though- uh oh! I drank that whole drink by MYSELF! Matt usually holds my hot pink woobie outside of the ladies' room after the movie. Darn it! What do I do now?!?
Luckily, I have had a year to practice this. Deployment has made me more independent, and less panicked when put in a situation like this. I took my woobie and slung it over the stall door. I wouldn't have put it on the hook- it is too long and uh, that floor is Gross!
I always enjoyed our movie dates together. Tonight, I really know that he was there, and he was enjoying it with me. I think that he even gave me a kudos for only taking the bare necessities with this time, remembering to shut off my phone before the movie started, and maybe he grumbled a bit because I didn't have ear protection.
I love you, sweetheart. Thank you for all of these memories.
Hi Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through "To Love a Soldier." I'm an Air Force wife, my husband is currently TDY and preparing for our second deployment. I've "lurked" for a couple of days, but decided to finally comment. :)
First of all, thank you for your service and sacrifice...those words always sound so small as they come out, but they are truly, deeply heartfelt.
I am inspired as I read your posts, awed by the strength you display (even when you feel like you have none and would, probably, claim it comes only from necessity), and so so so moved by your testimony and how your pride and perspective seem so genuinely UNresentful. I have so many fears each time my husband leaves, always wondering if I should be seeing "signs" or if I'm "being prepared" for some tragedy right around the corner. I am praying for you as you continue to navigate this heart-breaking road...thank you for sharing your journey.
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to just now be responding, as I did not see this comment before.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is certainly scary when they leave. I was terrified when Matt left. He and I had never been through a deployment. My brother is in the Navy, so I thought I had it all figured out. It is way different as the spouse of deployed military, it is a totally different life.
My journey may not always be pretty, but I can tell you it is certainly always honest. I am an incredibly heart felt person who wears my emotions on my sleeve. Sometimes this is good, sometimes it isn't, but it is going to come out either way...
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate that my words are getting out there, and hopefully are helping someone.
Matt and I have some very good friends in the Air Force as well. One of them was his escort home. It was such an honor for us that he was able to be such a large part of this day, and of course being one of Matt's best friends. I wish you the best with your future deployments, and I will pray for your husband's safety. I don't think that there really is any way to prepare. Honestly, I have learned that I got through deployment the same way I am getting through this- one day at a time. It was a lot easier to look forward during deployment, but keeping busy is definitely key.
Best wishes to you, Shannon. Take care.