Friday, April 8, 2011

Because this is what disappointment looks like ...

I've tried to be positive. I've tried to realize that there are tons of things that I cannot control, and to not worry about these things. I've done well, for me, lately. Until now. I won't hold my tongue. I try to control my temper, I try to hold my tongue, but sometime the Irish temper flares, and there's just no dousing it. The government has not yet shut down, yet the paycheck Adam will be getting next week is ALREADY halved. It's not all about the money, but in reality, a lot of the anger is directed at that. We'll be okay for awhile. We don't live beyond our means, but we enjoy what we can afford after many, many years of living on slim means. We have sacrificed. When we bought our house, we made sure we were several hundred dollars below what we are given for a basic housing allowance to allow for the bills associated with owning a home. But still, each paycheck makes a difference. Today I can honestly say I have never, ever been so disappointed in my country. Adam has given 15 years of blood, sweat, and tears to this country, and Addison and I have been right there along with him. We have endured holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. alone. We have sent him to war 8 times to be blessed enough to have him return to us each time. I have sacrificed, damn it, for this country. I try so incredibly hard each and every single day to not be selfish. But when my government basically tells us that Adam has to work and be paid eventually, it really chaps my ass. I don't have a job or career because I always wanted Addison to know that he had one parent with him, always, that he could depend on so he wouldn't feel alone. No one likes to feel alone. But that's how I feel, because my disappointment is so damn thick today. I can say with all honesty I am crying while I write this. All of the pride I have in Adam and his fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines drives me to tears to see what is going to happen to the families who depend on this money, who sacrifice so much every single day. (And this girl is NOT a crier. Only when the Red Sox lose in the ALCS. Goddamn Aaron Boone.) My fellow military families, let's band together. Let's tell our government we're not expendable, that we count too. Make your voices known. Do not rest.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Erin, you do have a way with words and I believe you have done some professional Journalism. Clean up the obvious and put this and more just like it in the papers. The locals will print cause they need good writers who have something with meat in it for their readers to consume. You are stating the obvious but it needs stating repeatedly for some of the elected "Morons" to realize that the ship may not be floating so well. I got your back sweetheart and yes love it when people actually plan for the future it don't just happen. U.B.

Thomas Nash said...

Erin, I completely agree with you. I'm still an E-4 receiving a small paycheck. I have rent, utitilites, need food, and a soon to be ex-wife that demands to have 680 dollars a month or she'll complain to my command. This is going to hurt! My savings will take me so far. I just hope this doesn't last long...

Dave Ermer said...

That's spot on Erin. I've never felt so upset with the Politicians. Most of them have no shame. RLTW