I met with a few sisters in my ward last week and in casual conversation they asked me when I will be moving back to VA and then decided that it would be a good idea to add the following, "Well the neighbor girl and I were talking about how when we were younger and dating and a military boy came around we were sure to run the opposite direction." That is so RUDE! Next example "My son wants to join the military and I told him that there was NO WAY that I would ever let him join," I have heard this one ATLEAST 50 times. Oh and I really love it when they tell me that they won't let them join because they are afraid that they will die or get severely injured. Let me tell you, that makes me feel really good. There is the ever popular "I could never let my husband join the military because I would miss him too much." Wow, well I guess that it is a good thing that I don't miss Chris because let me tell you, that would be awful. But I have to admit my most favorite of all is when people upon hearing about Chris deployment decide that it is a good time to debate the war.
This being the latest example: Last week I was forced into meeting with Brooklyn's 5th allergist up at Primary Children's hospital to meet the ever famous Mayo Clinic doctor that has recently joined their staff. It took 4 months to get in with this guy, and within the first 10 minutes of the conversation before finding out nothing about Brooklyn other than we will be moving back home in a few months because chris will be coming home. He decided to ask me if I thought that they were doing any good in Iraq. I of course told him that yes they are doing a lot of good over there, and then tried to steer the conversation back to my sick child. But instead of discussing Brooklyn he decided to tell me just how much the war was costing, and how america can not handle anymore debt. Shocked, I then explained to him that our debt was not coming from the Iraq war but was most obviously being racked up by our current President's stimulus/bailout/plans. He then decided that it would be an even better time to have an argument with me about President Bush and the Iraq war. What a pompous jerk. Do people really think that it is okay to A) bring up politics during a doctors appointment B) Tell a deployed soldiers wife that her husband is risking his life for nothing, and by the way it is costing the US a lot of money. Are you people for REALS!?! It is bad enough that I have to take care of the kids, the finances, the stress, etc. Do I really need this on top of it, NO!!!
I don't care if you are a democrat, if you don't want to marry a soldier, or even if you aren't fond of your kids joining the Military. I don't need to hear about it. And by the way, they are doing a lot over there, and I am proud to be a military wife. You have to be an noble, brave, unselfish person to join the Military. It takes guts to put your life on the line for our Country. It teaches things that can be taught no where else and it really is a shame that there are people out there who are keeping those who would like to join from joining. They are missing out. You will never ever find a better group of Men and Women. And furthermore, I am not a soldier but I can serve my country by taking care of my family while Chris is gone, and I am happy to do itDoes this mean that I love it when he is gone, that it is easy, that I don't miss him, that I won't be glad when it is over, uhh NO. It is hard. I am not dumb. When I don't hear from Chris for even a day it makes me sick. I am constantly googling the latest news out of Iraq, and the truth is that it is dangerous over there it is a WAR! But I do it because it is the best way for me to support my country . It sickens me that people take the sacrifice that Chris and many, many other military members and family members put on the line for their safety and security. Freedom isn't free!!!! I am proud to stick it out while he is gone, and I am proud of him. I am not trying to make myself out like some kind of hero. I am not asking for an award or any sort of recognition. All I ask is for people to give me and all the other Military wive's out there the courtesy of THINKING BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!!
10 comments:
Amen sista! :) Jeff deploys again in a month and I am not looking forward to all the stupid comments that I get as well. We wives have to stick together! Hope all is well! We miss you guys, someday we need to all get together again.
AMEN AMEN AMEN!! Robbie hasn't deployed yet (but they have a scheduled date to leave) and I, too, am shocked at the things people say. It absolutely blows my mind and I have to do everything to bite my tongue sometimes. You said it perfectly. And I can't believe that stupid doctor. Made me angry just reading about it!!!
I love it when you're in this mood. You should be feisty Jane more often (except in emails to me:)! For the record, we are SUPER proud of Chris over here at the Haws household. And Ryan is aspiring to be just like him! I have called you a MILLION times by the way? Where is your phone? I have some news that I think you'll be interested in.
BTW, we are literally counting down the days until you come home! Please hurry!
Hi Firecracker. The whole time reading that I kept thinking to myself, "I've never said anything that stupid have I? I say really dumb things sometimes when my mind is more focused on my child who has just poured his whole cup of milk all over his hair". So just in case, the truth is, Andrew begs me all the time to let him join the army and I told him about 1.5 years ago that I was down with it. I don't know if it fits in anymore with his school path, but I think it is the noblest, and most courageous thing a person can do. I've met a few med students like that doctor and they are spoiled, self-serving hypocrites.
AMEN sister. My father served in Vietnam and my mother got these comments all the time. Then when my dad came home he was basically snubbed. I can't believe people say those things to you! I am almost in tears I am so ashamed of some of those things. Chris, even though I don't know him, is doing a great thing and he has lots of support!~
Love you Jane! I think you should just stick your tongue out at these people! If they are going to say stupid things then they totally deserve it! :)
Ummm, hi me again. Was the doctor by any chance, Dr. Gerald Gleich? If you don't want Andrew to blast this guy's professionalism in an email, then don't tell me. Otherwise, there is little I can do to stop him. He is very angry about this.
Jane, I am so sorry people are so insensitive. That Doctor is totally unprofessional. His behavior is inexcusable.
Serving in the military is selfless and honorable. I am glad to hear that Chris's homecoming will be soon! Hang in there these last couple of months! ~carma~
Oh Jane, I feel for you. That would bug the crap out of me. I can't even imagine how hard it is to handle everything on your own and then to have people make such ignorant comments. It's sad that people don't realize that somebody has to fight to maintain our freedom. Just want you to know that I am grateful for everything that Chris, the other soldiers, and their families so selflessly sacrifice to ensure that the rest of us are able to rest easy.
This is crazy Jane!! I am sorry you have to deal with this all the time. not just once or twice even, but over & over again. I am not connected to anyone in the service--just through friends or in-laws in-laws (if you know what I mean)--but I have the highest respect for those who serve & those at home supporting them. I always try & ask all the details...like what is going on, what they are doing, how they are feeling. This makes me want to be EXTRA sensitive now. Thanks. And tell your hubby thank your for his service.
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