Over the following months, I would pull another wig or pair of goofy glasses out of my bag at random times and turn up unexpectedly with my newest get-up. It became quite a game with the kids trying to guess what would come next, and me having an absolute blast surprising them. (Though I don’t suggest answering the doorbell in a pair of googly-eyed glasses. Don’t ask me how I know this.) It became a special, unexpected memory of that time.
Our family has now been through many separations and deployments and we’ve learned a few things along the way. You may feel guilt at having “fun” while your spouse is gone, but my husband has shared that he likes to think of his family still enjoying normal life and making memories. I have a feeling this might be true for others, as well.
So… how to add some lightness to such a trying time?
Have a themed day. We’ve declared pajama days, ice cream for dinner, or all-day-movie days. Along with the pajama theme, eat only breakfast foods for all your meals that day. I promise you, your kids will think you’re the coolest!
Do something surprising. Interrupt the hum-drum, daily routine with a treat now and then, even if it’s something as simple as stopping at the park or renting a movie and staying up later than usual. I assure you that walking through the room with a crazy wig on your head will surprise your kids and get them laughing! It’s the unexpected moments here and there that can lift all of your spirits. Once you get in the habit, you’ll begin to look for your own fun ways to surprise your children.
Refresh yourselves. What relaxes or reinvigorates you? Is it a long drive, going to the movies, or attending church regularly? Even when you don’t feel like it, try to continue to do those things. Your spirit needs refreshing, too.
I know how overwhelming deployments and long TDYs can be. But I just bet that you can come up with your own creative ideas to help “lighten up” your family during the months of separation. It might even include a purple wig!
