Hi, my dh and I just did our very first Army PCS and shortly there after( within days) found out he is leaving for the sandbox. He will be gone a very long time and I will be here with our 5 kids and no friends or family. It doesn't help that half our street is deploying and most of the wives went home in the pst week:tears I am compleately new to this since he was prior Navy and Reserve at that. I tried to volunteer, but that was just to overwhelming to me at that point, so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or tips that could help me out? He leaves in a matter of days and even though I am trying to be strong for him and the kids, I would love to just sit down and cry right now. Any thoughts ladies?

Hi, my dh and I just did our very first Army PCS and shortly there after( within days) found out he is leaving for the sandbox. He will be gone a very long time and I will be here with our 5 kids and no friends or family. It doesn't help that half our street is deploying and most of the wives went home in the pst week:tears I am compleately new to this since he was prior Navy and Reserve at that. I tried to volunteer, but that was just to overwhelming to me at that point, so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or tips that could help me out? He leaves in a matter of days and even though I am trying to be strong for him and the kids, I would love to just sit down and cry right now. Any thoughts ladies?

Yes sit down and cry- allow yourself to feel the sadness and feel the emptiness but as all the other ladies on here will tell you, get up and stay busy. My DB left 1 week ago:depressed but I do things to make myself happy and I also write in a daily journal that I will send once he gets an address. Writing to him whether or not you send it might make you feel close to him, might make you feel not so lonely and empty. Hope this helps.

My husband spent 2 1/2 years with the bees.. also went to the sandbox. Its going to be hard but with 5 kids girl it will be no time and he'll be home. You HAVE to stay busy..thats the key. It helps time go by soooo much faster.

Thanks girls, he left today and so my countdown begins:tears

how long will he be gone?

you have to work through it the first time mine deployed i tried to just work through it and i found myself burnt out physically and emotionally just deal with your emotions first you must be ok while he is gone or all could be lost!

Hey, I've only got 4 kids and I'm still trying to juggle going to the grocery store. I was telling myself that I'd get a night job on base at the bar, but I think I'll be too tired. I don't know your likes/dislikes, but I think you've got to have your, "you time." It will probablly be at night time, so set that time aside for YOU. Whether it's watching comedies; making jewely, knittting, make it time that you immerse yourself wholeheartedly! Btw, what are the ages of your kids??? Oh, I just thought of another idea. When I was in S.D. the mom's had a babysitting co-op. It was great for getting an hour or two in the afternoon for pt! Maybe there's one around you???

Hugs, Laura

be strong. we're here for you! :hugs

My DH is a Sea Bee. Hopefully, it will only be 6 months.

First, talk to him about it. Before he leaves, make sure you talk about it all...so on the day he does leave he can leave knowing you will be "OK." Our first deployment we did not...and we had to go through the emotional turmol across a phone line....not good for either of us.

Stay busy! Be good to you!