Father’s Day holds a special place in my heart because it’s connected to stories unique within our military lifestyle. Quite possibly, you can relate to mine. I know I’m not the only one who has had to tell their husband that he was going to be a father shortly after they’ve deployed.
Discovering I was pregnant without my spouse was difficult, but the hardest part was waiting. You know how Dr. Seuss describes the waiting place; that was me… waiting for the phone to ring! When that fateful day finally came, it was a great moment, but I was sad that I didn’t get to see the smile on his face, hug him, laugh with him or even share a few tears of nervous anxiety I felt because of our beautiful miracle.
We were blessed that my husband came home from Iraq three weeks before our oldest child was born, but hundreds of families bring their children into the world while Daddy is deployed overseas. I too can relate to these stories, because I have my own to tell. Our youngest child was born while my husband was away fighting, this time in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Our military culture oftentimes collides with momentous occasions which many of our civilian friends and family take for granted. Yes, it’s true we miss out on some of those, but we get homecomings and reunions, and they are worth every sacrifice.
For me, Father’s Day will always be tied together with that scratchy phone call and the pins and needles I had waiting for the phone to ring. I’ll always remember the day he came home and discovered a very pregnant wife and wasn’t quite sure how tight he could hug me when I ran to greet him, and the day he returned home again to meet his three month old daughter.
We’ve all known the connections and love that distance may never break and this week I will celebrate and relish all those memories.
Have you seen this campaign? Dove Men + Care is partnering with Operation Homefront to bring home 300 servicemembers (dads and moms) this Father’s Day to spend quality time with their families. Watch this amazing video that Dove put together to honor our military families for Father’s Day and share it with your friends and family. Grab a tissue, you’re going to need it!
Sometimes finding the perfect gift for Dad is difficult, but I’ve got it nailed with this one. I’m going to support Dove and my husband with their great products. The best part? If you’re like me and the father of your children is deployed, it’s perfect for the overseas care package.
I want to support you too, so we’re giving away a $20 Dove Men+Care prize-pack giveaway for one (1) lucky winner in the US or APO address.
Please join me in thanking Dove and our servicemembers by leaving a message and sharing the love.
{Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this piece are genuine and my own.}
I don’t have a big homecoming story, but my husband has always been gone with the military on Father’s Day, and this was the first year he’s been home. It was nice having him here to celebrate.