A New Understanding

I was excited when Jason called and said he was flying through on Saturday and would I want to come out and see him. I don't really know what Jason does for work. I know that he does aeromedical evacuation (flight nurse). I know that his work schedule is erratic and takes him away from home on deployments. That's pretty much the scope of my understanding. Usually my focus is more on when he is coming home and how long he is going to be around. It wasn't until Saturday that I got to see first hand what he really does.

I took Eric and we rode out to the flight line to greet his plane. I asked the Lt. Colonel what the procedure was because as much as I wanted to grab a hold of my husband and not let go, I knew that he was working and I didn't want to abuse the privilege of being there. So she explained to me all the facets that came together to make this mission successful. When his plane landed I witnessed a flurry of action. Patients being transferred on liters from Jason's plane, a C-17 to a C-130 that was standing by. Buses bringing more patients out to Jason's plane to continue their flight westward. He had 19 patients on that flight. Patients coming home from Iraq & Afghanistan. As I looked at them and as one smiled at Eric I felt proud of these soldiers, humble. Here were men and women sacrificing to protect my freedom. . but then all I could hear were past complaints of mine ringing in my ears.

I didn't realize.

It's something else to hear about these men and women and another to witness them first hand. As I watched Jason at work I felt proud. He was a part of something bigger than I really understood. Even as an Air Force wife I get caught up in my bubble and forget about the sacrifices of others. Now I won't be so quick to complain or protest, even though it's hard at times and I miss my husband. I just appreciate him more and glad that he can help others.

After he was through giving his report we were able to hug and kiss and Eric played with his daddy. We only had 10 minutes and then the plane was ready to take off again. Why do they have to be so efficient now! I'm glad we got this chance to come out and hopefully Eric saw enough of Jason that he won't forget.

We're halfway through this deployment. Only 2 months to go. . .

This is my first time I ever tried the video on my camera. I'm glad I thought of it. Notice Eric kicking his legs. He was really happy. He kept arching his back for more.