Focus Dude

Deployment is days away (Officially released) and it's really starting to hit people- hard. So far, I'm good. I feel focused. I'm not allowing myself to focus on the fact my husband is leaving for months soon, but am focusing all I have on myself, my husband and our relationship. I believe that is the most important thing- keeping your head in check, and remembering to not put effort toward the thought, "he's leaving", but on keeping the relationship strong.

I believe if you put all your focus on deployment, you forget to pay attention to what's really important at that very moment, which is yourself, your husband and your relationship (and children if you have any- I do not, so I cannot speak on that). When focusing on deployment, you allow yourself to become negative. It's not even so much the deployment- but the countdown to deployment. It allows you to feel depressed, complain, and a lot of unneeded anxiety. Every post made about not being ready, every complaint is negative energy, anxiety put toward an issue when right now is the best time to force positive energy to helping your sanity as well as your significant other. 

See the positives over the negative. It's not always the easiest thing in the world to do, but trust me, there are positives if you let there be. 

Appreciate the days you have. You can prepare for deployment without putting so much negativity into it. Negative energy will only pollute your mind and I believe, it will make the day of deployment much harder for you. 

It's ok to feel like you're not ready. I mean, we can say that we are completely prepared, but truly.. I don't think we can honestly love our other half and be ready for them to leave on a mental aspect- physically ready, yes. In the physical aspect, My husband and I are ready. Mentally, you always want a few more days, even if you have the mentality of, "Let's just get this started so we can get it over with.". Where the negativity plays a large role is when that is all you focus on, when leaving is all you think about and all you talk about. I believe it's an unhealthy mindset. 

I know my husband is leaving, We've known it for months. We prepare mentally by focusing on time with each other and by appreciating that time. Even if we're out purchasing something to take with him, we don't allow that to be the focus- the focus is spending time together. No negativity. Just breathe and stay calm. 

He wouldn't have chose you if he didn't KNOW you could do this. He wouldn't want to be with you if he didn't think you were strong. 

When I turn 25..

Dear soon to be 25 year old self (February 20),

Times up! All the things you had wanted to accomplish by the age of 25, you didn't do all of them. Slacker.

But I'm proud of you. 

When you're 16 years young, 25 seems forever away. You're supposed to have everything figured out by then, all your dreams should have come true by now... psh. You lied to yourself. 

By the time you turned 25, you had a list of things to accomplish- things that you saw as being the right thing to do- things you needed to do by 25. 

Here were your top things to do by the time you turned 25:

Go to college

Get married

Buy a house

Buy a new car- SUV (mommy vehicle)

Have a career

Have 2 kids

Go to college: You should have been more specific. Maybe you should have told yourself to "finish college". So, in a sense, you accomplished this Goal. You went to college for one year. I don't think you realized how much the real world cost... and even though you paid for your own things (car, insurance, phone, clothes), there were a lot of expenses you didn't think to consider. 

Get married: You succeeded. At 25, you have been happily married for more than 3 years. Although, at 16, marriage was a Fairy Tale. And in ways, it is your very own Fairy Tale. But it's also a lot of work to keep things working smoothly. You've learned so much about what a relationship is and how a Man is supposed to treat you. He would do anything in the world for you. He pushes you to be better and to go after your dreams. You always said you'd marry your best friend, and you did, you just didn't know him then.

Buy a new car: Speaking of that great husband... He's too good to you. He took you to a dealership where the two of you purchased you your first SUV, and first new vehicle. Only the second car you've owned since you have been able to drive. Go you!

Buy a house: You cut it close, but in July of 2011 you crossed another mile-stone. You and your husband purchased your first house. Small, but more than enough room for you, your husband, 3 crazy animals and one day.. a little one. Now, get busy on all those home projects you want to do you found on Pinterest!

Have a career: You're still working on this. You're starting to really get somewhere with your photography career. You're still in the beginning stages, but you've learned so much to better your business and skills since becoming serious about photography to make it more than an obsessive hobby. Every session you improve. You can see it yourself. If you see it, I'm sure others do as well. Keep it up. You'll have the career you want if you stay on the path you're on now.

Have 2 kids: Fail. But good things come to those who wait- even if it's not by your choice, but your body refusing to hold a baby right now. When it happens, you're going to be a good momma. Just stop being so hard on yourself right now. If you can't have babies, there are other options. Even if it is hard to stomach not having your own. Afterall, you use to say you didn't want to have kids of your own. You wanted to adopt because there were too many unwanted kids that need a family to love them. You may get your wish after all. I know you say you're ok with waiting until you're 28 to really be serious about kids, but I know you. You're bothered because you want a baby so bad, and it's hard knowing every time your  body says no. I know you're just scared of facing yet another miscarriage. Keep your head up. Big man upstairs has something planned for you.

It's crazy how fast time flies. How much you've grown up in 9 years. 

So much changes. 

Happy 25th Birthday.

Here's looking at you kid,

Your [almost] 25 year old self

I Got an Email and You Didn't!

Sometimes I wonder if the girls who constantly post they talked to their husband, if they are trying to one up? I guess it's possible. It's nauseating. I mean that in the sense that it's posted so much by the same person(s) over and over that it sometimes seems as they post it while thinking, "ha ha ha, I heard from my husband and you didn't", in dramatic 5 year old kid voice. I'm not just talking about 1 post... I'm talking about several posts within a very short time frame about their 1 sentence from their husband, etc.

It's great. It's wonderful they get to speak to their husband. But then I see how those posts effect other people. The girl's whose husbands are too busy to write that night or the ones who made the decision to save money and not call every night, the constant bragging can get to these girls. I've been there. Thought, "Well good for you!", sarcastically.

This is the reason I don't post when I hear or don't hear from my husband. I don't want to "rub it in" and I surely don't want to make someone feel down because they didn't hear from their Significant other. Every now and then, it's ok- But the Every.Single.Form.of.Communication is daunting. When you have friends in the same situation (as in a loved one is away), it can wear on you.

I decided to write about this because, a.) I have thought this several times, b.) talking about it to a friend recently and c.) I've seen a couple gals post about how it makes them feel seeing people repeatedly post about their constant communications.

I get excited for friends when they hear from their SO's, but it's only happiness for those who rarely post about it. I can't find myself being happy for the ones who constantly post about it because to me, as often as they post.. it's routine for them. They will be the ones to gripe constantly about lack of communication when they go 1 day with nothing. And they come across, to me, as needy.

I know, it's their page... they can post as they wish. True. But nonetheless, it doesn't change how it can make your friends feel.

Man up and Get a Real Job

Sometimes I wonder what my husband is fighting for. WHY did my husband join the Military?

I ask this question to myself because there are so many ungrateful people in this world. There are people who have told me my husband needs to man up and get a "real job".

Some people assume my husband has everything handed to him and he gets all these crazy bonuses throughout the year, and that he just sits around on a cruise ship.

Someone straight up saying they don't support the military, not just the cause, but saying they can't stand the military. They don't see the military protecting us, protecting our rights.

I've been told that most of the military is made up of Paper pushers, the Navy doesn't get put in harms way, and our military is full of murders who are fighting for some sand [horrible horrible word I refuse to quote] to have rights. I've heard more and I've heard worse.

It upsets me because I believe in our military, especially my husband. It makes me sad to know these are people our military is protecting. These people have the right to voice their opinions because People like my husband have decided to be SELFLESS and protect their rights, protect our country to the best of their ability and say nothing when these people show how ungrateful they really are.

It's great that people can freely express their opinion, all my readers know I LOVE doing so. But what gets me is when these people see it more than an opinion. They see their opinion as a hard fact. I know it's ignorance, pure ignorance. They don't know anything about each job or branch in the military. They see wives as just wanting the money and benefits when they know nothing of either. The only thing I have heard from some of these that I do agree with is the fact we did sign up for this, but that doesn't mean that it is an easy transition for everyone.

It makes me sad for my husband. I know how hard he works, I know some of the things he has seen, some of the things he's had to do. It's not an easy job for him. But he enlisted because he wanted to make a career out of the Navy. He told me he wanted a job with purpose.

I may not agree with a lot of the decisions the military is asked to carry out, but I do support them. I support my husband. It's hard for me to stand by and not defend my husband when people say things like this. I know it's ignorance on most of it. They just don't know. But it's one thing I can loose my temper on quickly, especially when it turns in to direct attacks on my husband, myself or my family.

When You're Gone

To my husband,

When you're gone, I sleep in the middle of the bed, only to still somehow get pushed off by our beast of a dog.

When you're gone, I buy organic milk because I don't waste it due to not being able drink it before it expires.
I also like organic better, and you do not. So when you're gone, I enjoy drinking and cooking with Organic milk.

When you're gone, I eat Mexican food multiple times a month. You hate it, I love it and when you're gone, it's the only chance I get to have it.

When you're gone, I can keep our house clean(er). You're a slob. When you're gone, I no longer have a million pair of socks thrown everywhere.

When you're gone, I sleep with the TV on- with no volume. You know I'm scared of the dark (sigh) when I'm alone... but I'm a light sleeper when it comes to sound.

When you're gone, I eat more fast food. I guess that explains why I didn't lose any weight last deployment.

When you're gone, I create a project list too long to complete by the time you come home and get extremely frustrated with myself because I don't complete everything.

When you're gone, the house stays very quiet. All the noise heard is my pecking away at this keyboard or me occasionally singing at the top of my lungs to Pandora or iheart radio. Be glad you're not here for that.

When you're gone, we save money. You really do spend a lot! >.<

When you're gone, the bed stays cold. You say I'm a furnace.. but I wake up shivering instead of sweating when you're not here.

When you're gone, it's crazy how big I smile when my phone dings saying I have an email. Or feeling the excitement leave when the email isn't from you.

When you're gone, time flies because I keep so busy.

When you're gone, I miss when you have nightmares, not that I like when you have nightmares.. I just miss how you reach for me like I'm your teddy-bear. It's still heartwarming to hear you write to me to say you had a nightmare and reached for me, but sad to think you ended up with your rack curtain instead.

When you're gone, of course I miss you- but sometimes it's nice regaining my independence. Sometimes we don't realize how much we rely on someone until they are gone.

When you're gone, a lot of things change. But there's always one thing that stays the same: Me loving you more and more every day, and appreciating all you do for me. I couldn't ask for a better husband- even with the quirky little things you do that sometimes push my buttons, I wouldn't have you any other way.

You're my one and only.

Resolutions, goals and Being Prepared

Have you ever felt like time was passing by so quickly, you struggle to keep up? I feel like I'm back where I was a year ago. Trying not to stress, preparing and realizing time is growing shorter until my husband will be deploying again.

This time feels a little different though.

I feel like we are still adjusting to all the changes from his previous deployment. He was gone for 6 months, but during that time we purchased a house, we moved, purchased a new car.. etc. I feel like we're still working on a new routine with his work schedule. I was so use to his TAD schedule before last deployment that I'm honestly not use to seeing my husband home as much as he has been. It's nice having him home- but sometimes I miss his crazy schedule. My house stayed clean then! But I'll take him home over my clean house any day.

We got use to spending roughly 1 day a week together before deployment. Now, after deployment, we have every day with the exception of a duty day every week. We were in a routine of spending every minute with each other when he was home, and now because we went from having about 1 day to every day, sometimes we feel like we are smothering each other. I guess sometimes its part of it. It's the whole adjusting to only readjust thing. It's a never ending cycle.

Now, we are creeping up on deployment number 2. I guess you could say more than creeping. I look at how many days my husband will be home between now and deployment, with the ship now in full swing with their underway training, and we are back to having limited time left to spend with each other. It puts things back into reality for me, focus on each other but remember to keep stress and emotions in check. Stress- we're working on that. We have a lot to do before this next deployment and I feel as if I've waited until last minute, but I still have a lot of time. It's crazy.

I'm already trying to gather my "Deployment goal" list. Kind of like setting tons of resolutions for the New Year, but for me- it's for deployment. Full of projects, work out goals, weight goals, decorating projects, FRG commitments, etc.

Again with this deployment, I'm probably going to make my to-do list so long and be disappointed in the end because I ran out of time. I do that. I sometimes put too much on my plate and then get so incredibly mad at myself for not succeeding. I think I do this because I do accomplish a lot when under pressure or stressed. I do my best when I'm constantly busy. I think I also do this to myself because I don't want to run out of things to do. I want and I like keeping busy because the time flies so fast, and before I know it, I'm picking up my husband. I refuse to be miserable and I focus on things I want to do, things I want to accomplish. When my husband is gone, it's the perfect time because when he's home- my focus is on him. I sometimes forget what I want, and forget to focus any time on myself (maybe that'll actually be a New Years resolution!).

What are your New Years or Deployment resolutions?

Milspouse Holiday Blog Swap

Riding the Roller Coaster has done it again. She has set up another wonderful Mili. Spouse blog swap. I'm so excited to be apart of another of her wonderful swaps she has put together. That woman is awesome. Just sayin'. I mean, Who else could organize 27 amazing bloggers/ mili spouses plus myself for an awesome blog swap for a day?

Be sure to head over to Roller Coaster's blog to check out the other amazing bloggers!

If you're looking for my post, be sure to check out My Marine and Me for My Post about Christmas since being a Navy wife!

I'm am extremely happy to have Wife Of a Sailor taking over my blog today! She's totally awesome. You know how their some wives that wear their husband's rank? Well, Wife of a Sailor wears her own! Yes, that's right. She is an Officer in the Navy Reserves. Her husband is an enlisted Sailor. Which mean, He has to salute to her! ;D

Although, she says he's evaded that for two and a half years. Boo, but that's ok.. We all know she'll get him. Be sure to check her out at www.wifeofasailor.com!

Here's her post. I hop you enjoy it as much as I do.

When most people think of Christmas, they think of the spirit of the holiday season and spending it with the ones they love the most. Those of us in the military world, however, routinely don’t have our loved ones near… whether it is a spouse that is deployed or family members that live far away thanks to the military lifestyle. We have to plan our holidays and special events around deployments, duty nights, TDYs and all other sorts of things the military likes to throw around. Christmas may be celebrated months before or after December 25th. And that’s normal for us.

Personally, this will be our third Christmas since we’ve been married. Yet, it will be the first that we’ve ever spent together. Actually, this past 4th of July and Thanksgiving were our first two holidays together since we’ve been married, period. ‘Tis the way of the military.

I’m incredibly excited about spending our first one together. Christmas can be celebrated on Christmas (okay, well, at least within a day or so of it depending on if he has duty on Christmas Eve/Christmas). I can get excited with all the other people gearing up for the season. But I also realize there are many who aren’t going to spend it with their spouse. And my heart aches for them.
But you know what? I think that it is a blessing that we don’t always have them with us. I truly believe those of us who are part of the military family have an advantage over most civilians. We know how precious the “spending the season with your family” is. It’s not about the presents or the lights or the cookies (mmmm… cookies!), and we realize how wonderful it is to spend time with our family.

I’m not saying civilians DON’T know this or don’t get it… rather, I’m saying that we truly treasure the time we have with those we love (when they actually are with us). Because we know that next year, they might not be there. They might be working to make the world a safer place in some far off place or, in our case, 20,000 leagues under the sea.

So this year, I will treasure every minute. I will enjoy the season as it’s meant to be. Because sometime in the not-so-distant future, I’ll need to look back upon the memories I make this year so that I can make it through a lonely Christmas without Huzzy that will undoubtablly happen once again in the future.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone. If you don’t have your spouse/significant other/family with you this year, make each moment one to remember. If you don’t have them with you, hold on because you aren’t alone and we’ve all been there. You’ll get him/her soon and can make your memories then.

Truth

Yesterday, a young man from my hometown took his own life. Now, people are trying to find someone to blame. Of course, they blame the school system.

I didn't really know him, but I knew who he was. He use to come in the place I worked, before moving to Virginia, nearly every day.

He was bullied. It's sad, but it happens. It happens to a lot of us- Bullying doesn't target a specific gender, sexual preference, race, etc. Anyone can be bullied. I was bullied some growing up, and I know many others who were as well.

For more than a week, you could see on this kid's facebook that he was reaching out. Continually talked about ending his life. Who stood up and said something? Who asked for help for this young man? No one. I'm not apart of his facebook page. After hearing about his death, I went to his page. I read his posts where for days straight he hinted to taking his life. And a post from a week ago again. People want to blame the school system for doing nothing but giving the bullies a slap on the wrist, but no one, including his friends, stood up to say "He needs help".

I'm going to get a bit more personal here- and I may totally regret this, especially if my family reads this, but I think it's time to stand up and say something. I use to have suicidal thoughts. Alot. Until this day, noone has really known that. Twice I actually tried- again, only maybe 2 people even know of one of those instances.

When I was 14, I took nearly 20-25 Tylenol at one time. Being 14, I thought it would do it. I felt trapped, I felt alone and I felt empty. Killing myself was the easy way out for me. I took the pills and went to school. I started throwing up at school and ended up at Vanderbilt hospital. I must have thrown up all the medicine, the doctors said they didn't know what was wrong with me and ruled it a small stomach bug. I don't think a single person knows about that. All anyone knew is that I had a really bad headache and took more Tylenol then I should have and the headaches could have made me sick. I was known for having headaches so bad that I would get sick often, so it was believable.
When I was 16, I actually cut my wrist. I was at a point in my life where I was confused all the time, and again, I felt alone. I felt as if noone would notice if I was gone. I didn't cut deep at all, but when I saw the blood, I asked myself, "What is wrong with you?!". I didn't want to be this person. I hid the scabbed up cut from everyone. Wore long sleeves, or covered it with a watch. My mom saw it one day as I was helping to cook something and grabbed my arm and asked what it was. At this point, it had healed that it sort of looked like a burn. I went with it. I told my mom that I was reaching across a pot and skimmed the side of a hot metal pan. Some how, it was believeable and she didn't question me.
Why didn't I tell anyone? I was embarrassed.

I'm saying this because maybe, there's someone out there who feels trapped and just wants to give up. I want them to know that you're not the only one who deals with things that make you feel like noone in the world can understand. There are people who do care and do understand. You just have to talk to someone. Find a way to let it out- other than cutting yourself or trying to commit suicide. There are better options. Yes, It will be hard. But life is full of challenges. Hard times always come and go. Don't take the easiest route out of it all and take your own life. Every single person in this world has the potential to grow up and be great at something.

As far as bullying goes, It's tough. I like to look at it this way. They are jealous of you- or one person starts something and their posse just follows. Sometimes, they are in the same shoes. The may be bullied at home, or they are being bullied to bully you- pure pressure.

People need to start standing up for themselves. Friends need to speak up when needed. Parents need to listen when a child has something to say and teachers need to speak up if bullying is noticed or unusual behavior is seen at school.

Bands For Arms- GIVEAWAY!

Thanksgiving is nearing and Christmas is quickly approaching. It's the time of year we all get so busy we may forget about those who are not able to be with their families this year. It's the time of year wear we tend to focus on gift giving and big dinners.

Today, I'm posting a Giveaway for The Pearl Harbor Bracelet from Bands for Arms, A company who never forgets and always gives back.

"Welcome to Bands for Arms, whose mission is primarily focused towards all United States Military Services Members. Bands For Arms will donate a percentage of the sale price supporting military non-profit organizations, to help raise funds to continue a bridge of communication with their loved ones. Communication with Sailor, Airmen, Coast Guard, Marine or Soldier with their loved ones back home, is the primary goal and mission of Bands For Arms.

Every Bands For Arms bracelet is hand crafted in it's own creation, so none are identical or made the same, making each one unique and personal.
Each personal Bands For Arms bracelet has a uniform piece from a service member, incorporated within the bracelet.
With each Bands For Arms bracelet, you will receive a small description of the service member who provided their piece towards the bracelet. " ~Bands for Arms

Recently, I ordered The Pearl Harbor bracelet in memory of my Great Grandfather who recently passed away. Pop was a WWII veteran.

When I received the bracelet, I loved it more in person than I did from the pictures, which says a lot because I instantly fell in love with it upon seeing the picture. I wear it all the time!

The owner of Bands for Arms encountered a house fire. Causing him to loose many of his logs, documents, bracelets and uniforms. Because he had no record of the bracelet being shipped, another was sent to me. I emailed to notify them I had already received my bracelet, and Nick said using it for a giveaway for my blog fans would be great!

So, here we are! YOU get the chance to wear this AWESOME bracelet. Seriously, it's awesome.

The Bracelet:

http://ourb4astore.com/index.html

Here are 7 ways to enter

*You can do one, or all 7

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT PER ENTRY

**if you put your entries into one comment, it will count as one entry, so be sure to put them in different comments!

1. Go to the B4A store (clicky) and tell me which is your favorite bracelet!

2. "Like" me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejourneyofanavywife

3. Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/NavyWifeLife

4. Share my Facebook post (on my fan page) on your personal page. Post:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=293439320688162&set=a.206864576012304.55076.154244167941012&type=1

5. Tweet about this giveaway, linking this post as well as tagging me @navywifelife

6. "like" the Bands for Arms Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bands-For-Arms/316613052975 (Tell them @The Journey of a Navy Wife sent you!)

7. Blog about this giveaway, and tell me why you like bands for arms! Be sure to put a link to this post in your blog post! (link your post in a comment)

 ***Please leave a contact email if you wish to be notified by email if you win. If you do not leave a contact email, you will have to check back on the blog to see if you are the winner!

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 30 at Noon EST.

I will announce the winner shortly after the giveaway ends! :)

Ready. Set. GO!

One Year ago today

Sunday, November 21, 2010: One Year ago today, my husband was robbed at gunpoint.
{Refer back a year ago to my post NCIS On The Real}

It is crazy to me to think about the time of which has passed. It still seems like a dream and it still seems as if it had recently happened. I'm sure I probably think about it more than my husband, and he was the one who was robbed.

In this crazy world, there was one place I saw as "safe" and that was the base. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine two men would approach my husband with a shotgun, point it at him and force him to the ground. "Not on base, that's just not possible". But it is possible. And it wasn't the first time something similar had happened on base.

Even now, I find that my husband is still uneasy. He's more aware of his surroundings. The rifle stays loaded by our bed, ADT was installed in our house, he parks under street lights or in the sights of other people. That day those two men made off with more than $500, but more than that.. they took our security.

For several weeks, NCIS would question my husband about the men and that morning. They questioned me, they questioned Sailor's on different ships. Eventually, they stopped calling, and they stopped giving us updates.  To this day, as far as my husband and I know, those two men were never arrested, nor charged. We don't have the slightest clue who the men could be.

It seems the leads NCIS had couldn't take them anywhere. Too many things happened that day for the robbery to not have been a planned event. First things, one of the gate security cameras- the gate my husband would use every day, cut off just before my husband's typical time of going through it, and back on some time later that morning. Base police did not lock down the parking lot where the Robbery had taken place nor did they put the base on lock down- if they had, the guys would have been caught because they were hitting up the ATM in the parking lot attached to the parking lot of which my husband was robbed. The camera issues as well as Base police not doing locking down base, was suspicious to the NCIS agents. Base police didn't do their job.

NCIS was frustrated with how poorly base police responded, as were my husband and myself.

The guys were smart to cover their faces for the ATM cameras, however, they left their arms exposed. One of the guys had a couple tattoos, but they didn't lead NCIS anywhere.

After they hit up the ATM on base, they made 2 more attempts that day to withdraw money. Again the next day, they tried again. But there was always an issue it seemed. One of the bank's cameras was not working properly and the other, they were having issues getting the tapes from them. That's as far as we heard about anything there.

NCIS told us they wouldn't give up and that my husband's case was one of 7 or 8 cases (at the time) that year sent to the Pentagon. That gave us reason to believe the bastards would be caught. I wish they had kept in contact, I wish we had called them more often to see if there was any more leads.

The robbery had a huge impact on my husband. People would pick on him for it- trying to make light of it all. He would do the same, but on the inside, it ate at him. It became a struggle for us, he didn't know how to handle his emotions and would cause him to anger easily. It took the last underway before he left for deployment for him to see the affect it really had on him and us. He was suffering for PTSD, and was blind to it- as most are. PTSD is always associated with deployment, with war.. but there are so many other things that can lead to it. The robbery being my husband's. When he realized what was happening to him, he got help. He sought out guidance from one of the ship's chaplains.

The speculations of what happened or what didn't happen were crazy. I have no idea how people can come up with such crazy rumors. I've heard that my husband made it up. Some said my husband was robbed for a GPS (we don't own a GPS aside from navigation on our phones). I had people messaging, calling and telling me "sorry for your loss", thinking my husband was dead. People thought my husband was shot... etc. It was pure chaos. 

Truth is, My husband was reaching in his car for his Parka. He heard the cock of a shot gun and then, "Get on the ground!". He honestly thought it was one of his buddies pulling a prank on him. He turned around to a shotgun at his face. They forced him to the ground and took his debit card from his wallet. They demanded the pin, and when you have a shotgun to your head, you don't have time to think of a wrong pin. The gunmen then ran off, my husband jumped in his car and pulled in officer's parking by the pier and called base police, then called me to cancel his card, but they had already took the money by that time.

I'm thankful we are able to move forward from a year ago. I'm thankful for the support we received from many people after that day. My blog fans, our friends, and surrounding ship's Sailors. Even in such a upsetting situation, there's always a positive ending- Life, love and friendship.