The Race without Training

Recently I was talking to a fellow military wife about dealing with deployments. We've both had our fair share so I shared with her my favorite analogy.

Deployments are like races. Except you can never really train for them.

Let's say that a seven month deployment is like a seven mile race. Being in the last mile doesn't really make it easier. In fact, it might be the hardest part of the race because you are already so, so tired.

"And that last mile is uphill!" my friend added.

She's right. It's uphill, and maybe it's started raining so it's a slippery slope. And worst of all, they keep moving the finish line. You're never really sure where it is.

And then your shoe falls off!

The major difference is that you can quit a race. You can throw up your hands and walk off the course. You can say that you did well enough and feel proud that you even made it that far.

Quitting a deployment is not an option. There is no choice. You're in it for the long haul whether you like it or not. You may feel pure joy when you cross the finish line but some of the hardest work is still ahead of you.

I'm just glad I'm not racing alone.