President
Obama announced the deployment of 30,000 additional troops to afghanistan.thirty thousand people and their
immediate and extended families are looking at, under the shortest time frame,
being away from home for many months.
When 911 first occurred the sentiment among many was
to fight back and protect
America at all costs, whatever it took, wherever it
took us.
Eight years later, we are a country divided on what to
do, where to do it,
and when to stop if we stop.
In the midst of the flow of American sentiment is
the soldier, his/her family
and friends, co-workers and neighbors.
For You
It
is normal for you to experience confusion, frustration, anger, fear along with
a broad range of emotions and thoughts as you think about all that you and your
loved ones are investing.
engage in stress reduction activities regularly.
make this a calender entry that you
attend to with the same dedication
as any other life saving endeavor on your
calendar.
It is okay to cry. It can be healthy to cry.
This
is not the time to turn to excess anything as a way of coping or reducing
stress.
Be
creative as you think about ways to stay connected
to
your loved one.
Reach
out for the resources in your community.support groups, regular telephone contact, etc., are critical components
of managing both the separation and the returns.
For The Children
Maintain structure and
consistency as much as possible.
Monitor the
stress levels of all in the house.
Do not involve your children in
your worry, but do allow them theirs.
Encourage your child to create a
special book of letters, pictures, etc. to share with the military family
member.
REMINDER
ACKNOWLEDGE
THAT YOU ARE HUMAN AND THAT THIS IS A DIFFICULT
TIME
WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TREATING YOURSELF
TO
LITTLE MOMENTS THAT CAN BRING YOU A HEALTHY SMILE.
POST DEPLOYMENT
AND RECONSTITUTION
ARE
SENSITIVE TIMES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
BE
PATIENT WITH YOU, YOUR PARTNER AND YOUR FAMILY.