ME A 17 YEAR OLD WAG

All the talk of loved ones going away never seems real or to make any sense until the day finally comes around. Even then and now I’m still not sure that it makes sense. When that day finally comes you’re numb, not only for the time you will be apart, but because none of us know what will happen next. I know how it feels because for me it is real - I am living it each and every day!

We dreaded each hour that passed on Christmas day, because we knew the time for him to leave was coming closer. Then the time came!! 6.30am Boxing Day morning. We said our goodbyes, not knowing what was going to happen next or what the next six months would bring, all we knew was that our love will stay the same - if not get stronger, and it will NEVER go away!!

He got into the car and went to his job, to be in a war zone of fear and destruction, but also a place of hope and faith for its people. Then it was real!! The waiting was over and my hero was gone - gone to be the hero of so many other people. I found myself grieving not only for my partner that had gone to war, but for the thousands of others that were in the same position as me saying “Goodbye” to their loved ones!!

The next thing I new the phone rang and a familiar voice joked “Guess who?” I have never felt that feeling I felt - I was so loved and his voice was reassuring, but then the call had to end and now I am back to following the painful and familiar rules of the waiting game. The phone calls are few and far between but each one means so much and eases the pain and heartache of the separation. He says that he’s ok but I know it’s a front. I know he is trying to reassure us all and he wants us not to worry. I can’t tell him enough how proud we all are of him and everything that he is doing for our country; - something that he takes all in his stride!!

I never thought I would get through this hell until I met the WAGS and it was amazing how so many of us are in the same position, and are always helping each other to cope with the trauma of the events that are happening each day!! Nearly 3 months have passed now; we have 30 days to go until we are back together for the best week of our lives, then he will have to go back to the place that gives us so many nightmares.

Our live together is just starting. All the excitement of marriage and children is coming closer, but for so many that has gone. For those men that should be still here!! I know that a time will come when all is calm and safe again, but until then we need to stand by our loved ones, be there for them reassuring them all the way and letting them know we love them so much and will always be here!!

For Andrew

ALL MY LOVE CHARLOTTE XX

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Kerry's story