F e a t u r e s
marriage... even if much of the content was about the state of his stomach! I know I’m old fashioned but I find hand written letters rather romantic.
We hadn’t been sure whether it would be a good idea for Martin to come home for R&R, as it could be upsetting to go through the goodbyes again. We agreed that he would decide once in theatre. In the event he really needed the break, so timed his leave to be home for our son’s birthday. We hadn’t told the children he would be home (in case of last minute problems) and after the inevitable delays in his journey, it was a wonderful surprise for them. He returned to Kabul after his leave with only six weeks of his tour left, which felt like the home straight.
The Worst
Strangely enough, my anxiety levels increased the closer we came to the end of the tour. The last two weeks were the worst of the whole four and a half months. Martin had told me he was going to be at a meeting with various Afghan Ministers and that he was concerned about the security. The next day I heard on the radio that a massive suicide bomb explosion had killed over sixty people at a Ministerial meeting.
Obviously, Martin hadn’t given me exact details of where he was to be beforehand, so I really panicked, thinking he might be involved in the incident. Fortunately he was not involved, and I was very well supported by RAF Shawbury when I rang for reassurance. They were able to arrange contact with him quickly to let me know he was OK, thank you Mandy, for your calmness and efficiency.
No Longer taken for Granted! My nerves were on edge over the last few
days and even hours of his journey home, which was once again delayed. I was very glad to get him home in one piece and felt very proud of him. I can also say that our two teenagers seemed to stop taking him for granted (for a while at least) and really appreciated having their old dad home safe and well. All in all, I have found Martin’s various tours away from home have actually bonded us closer as a couple and as a family. I am not saying it is plain sailing all the way, and I have more grey hairs as a result, but the experience can be positive in the long term.
www.raf-families-federation.org.uk
Summer 2009
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