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Many times in life we tend to take things for granted. I do it all the time. Like recently, my car's air conditioner was working wonderfully and then, all of a sudden, it just stopped on me. Driving in this Alabama heat is monstrous. I know it could be worse; I'm constantly reminding myself the glass is half-full on this one.
But one of the biggest things I ever took for granted was getting the chance to be with my wife and raise our children.
Upon landing in Kuwait during the fall of 2007, I called my wife and found out she was pregnant with our first child. I admittedly was on cloud nine and racing to tell everyone. Then reality dawned on me I was going to miss the first few months of my child's life due to the deployment.
At first, I was angry at the Army and wanting to call my congressman to complain. Then I awoke from my haze and realized I would at least get to see the birth and that, in itself, was important.
I had to remind myself constantly everyday of the other Soldiers I was deployed with who were missing out on their children's lives. It saddened me but it was for a greater good. We are Soldiers, this is our job. If we won't sacrifice, who will?
Fast-forward many long months later; I was headed home to witness the birth of my son, Elijah. I was nervous, excited, terrified, etc. Once he arrived my life changed and getting to spend those first two weeks with him was wonderful. I then headed back overseas to Iraq to rejoin my unit, knowing this might have been the last I had ever seen of him. You never know what might happen over there.
With luck on my side, I made it through Iraq and finally was transported back to Texas after 14 grueling moths at war. When I fist saw my son, he looked different. He was now five months old and clung to his mommy, starring at this stranger who everyone was calling his daddy. He didn't want me to hold him very long and often cried when I did. This broke my heart every time.
Elijah, or Eli as his mother and I call him, is almost two years old and a spitting image of his dad. We spend daddy-son time together and go on adventures, but I still can't shake a feeling of being robbed from his first five months of life. I took always being there for my children for granted.
Recently, my wife delivered our second child, Reagan, in late April. I took as many days of leave as my company would allow to be with her. She is now just over a month old and I can't believe I'm still getting to see her. For the first time, I'm going to get to experience the first few months of my child's life! Nothing excites me more.
I guess what I'm trying to say is when you're a Soldier in the Army, or any other military branch for that matter, you cannot take time for granted. You could receive orders for a deployment any second. You must make the most of every moment you have with your family and friends. Leave no rock unturned.
Go home tonight and hug your children hard, let them know you care and will never leave them, that you will always be in their heart. I have made it goal of mine to, at least, hung a kiss my children as soon as I get home from work and before they go to bed.
As my daughter grows I plan on making sure she knows I'm here, even if I'm not. I plan or raising her and her brother to know every family meal together or every holiday is special in its own right. I'll never get those five months back for my son, but what I can do now is make sure both my children know I love them with all my heart.
Ryan Stroud is a military trained journalist who has served in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army. Prior to his military experiences, Stroud grew up playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer. Also, Stroud focused many years of his life playing, touring, and recording/producing local music acts. He has a wonderful wife of 4 years, a 2 year old son and a newborn daughter.
Stroud's biggest writing influences are Jim Butcher, Chuck Palahniuk, Edward Lee, Jack Ketchum, Christopher Moore and Ben Fox.
He currently resides in Huntsville, Al, with the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Redstone Arsenal.
Stroud would also like to take a moment to thank his friends who are currently in battle over in Iraq. God bless all of you.
At last a featured article with feeling and meaning ~ great job and you have my sentiments exactly. Thank you for all you do and may God bless you and your family. Blessings! Suzy
Wonderful article Ryan. It's a good reminder for us, not to take things for granted which we all do, it's human nature I guess. It's wonderful you are enjoying every minute of your daughter's development. You may have missed out on the first five months with your son, but how proud he will be someday when you tell him your story. Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made.
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