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by Karen E. Hofmann
 “Karen, I am sorry…but it looks as though we will send you.”
These were painful words to hear. My Colonel explained that I would be the one from my unit to embark on a six-month long deployment across the ocean. A flood of emotions coursed through my being. How could I bear leaving my four-month old daughter behind? In six months time, I would miss a host of accomplishments that mommies revel in-- sitting up, crawling, teething, cruising, etc. The thought of being away from my husband made my heart ache. Our relationship, though, would be sustainable and would probably grow stronger because of our parting. Buoyed by e-mail and letters, we could communicate and bond. But how would I communicate with Madison when our primary means of communication was through touch? How could I bond with my baby?
Remaining composed for the moment I replied, “Yes, ma’am.”
The Colonel was also a mommy who had been deployed when her baby was less than a year old, so she empathized. She attempted to console me by explaining, “It will be okay. Honestly, it is better leaving them now rather than when they are a little older-- and can express confusion and despair because mommy is leaving. Madison won’t realize you are gone.” I thanked her—for I valued her opinion and advice, but my heart and mind could not accept this rationalization peacefully.
Exiting my Colonel’s office, I darted to my husband’s office (he is also in the Army). When I finally saw his face, I assessed that we were relatively isolated, and I abandoned all expectations of military bearing and wept in his arms. He immediately knew what the news had been -- we knew my chain of command had been debating who would be chosen for this deployment during the past couple of weeks. Luke soothed me and assured me everything would work out fine.
We immediately began making necessary arrangements. Feeling emotionally drained, I went through the motions robotically. The most disappointing adjustment was weaning Madison. The bond I had enjoyed through nursing her during the last four months had been such a pleasure. It is amazing how God designed our bodies to provide for our children in such a fashion. But the pending deployment forced me to cease nursing her earlier than I had planned. Throughout this, our relatives, friends, and church family bathed us in prayer.
Two and a half years, one move, and a second daughter later, I reflect thankfully on how God provided strength and encouragement during that hour. Most importantly, he provided a substitute who volunteered for the deployment in my stead. I never had to deploy and leave my baby. Reality for my family during those few weeks in July of 2000, however, had been that I would leave. We experienced all of the emotions and challenges leading up to the deployment.
I share this story because it is a chapter in my life I will never forget and humbly realize I may experience again one day. While I am still serving in the Army, a deployment may arise at any time. My stomach twists and my heart aches when I think of all of the mommies who are somewhere in the Middle East as I write this. Think of all of the first words, first steps, and other significant accomplishments these mommies are missing. Consider how they long to kiss and hug their children while tucking them in at night. This is quite a sacrifice.
Mommies working outside of the home make these types of sacrifices throughout the civilian sector, too, but their absences are generally not as long, nor are they guaranteed by default to be as hazardous. Deployment lengths range with each operational situation, but many now have orders for timeframes ranging from six months to two years.
Consider these mommies, the sacrifices they make, and the emotional turmoil they endure while serving our nation. Encourage them through notes, letters, and please—pray for these mommies. Even those who do not don a uniform daily can encourage many by being warriors in another sense—prayer warriors.
Karen and her husband, Luke, are a dual military couple who have served on active duty together for the past five years. They have two daughters-- a three-year-old and a one-year-old. They are currently stationed in Pennsylvania, where Karen receives encouragement from MOMSense Radio broadcasts.
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