Northern Ireland/ and Afghan deployment!

[Mercy2]

With OH getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan in 3 weeks I thought I had enough stress, but now I find myself worrying about the life we're gonna live here too!
With the recent attacks on Military and now police, I find myself not only fearing for his safety, but now wondering how far the violence may escilate while he's not here too!

OH was over here during the troubles but It was long before we met, he tries to reassure me but i do find it all a bit scary.

I can't begin to imagine what the families of those who've been killed must be going through.
I think I am just feeling a bit raw and emotional, and probably a little over dramatic. But i thought you ladies may be able toffer some words of wisdom? or perhaps just tell me to get a grip?

Hope all are well,
M x x x x

Hi Mercy2 - are you here in N Ireland at the mo?? Living in or out?? Very very bad weekend... no wonder you worry about things. Too close to home for me too... I just hope & pray that it will not go back to what it was like before -I think the majority of people here don't want to see it escilate. My thoughts too are with the families of the 2 Sappers and the PSNI officer - I dont know what I'd do either...

I don't think telling you to get a grip is right - we are all scared at the moment. Though all we can do really is to be strong for our OH - they have enough on their shoulders without having to carry our fears too. At the same time you cannot ignore it, so have a chat about it. They are professionals and well trained to do their jobs.

Are you friends with any of the other wives where you can get the emotional support you need?

Big Hug xx

I am glad someone has spoken about this here - I dont want it to become a political slanging thread, so please can we keep it respectful??

hi there, thanks for your reply hun.
Yes i am in NI at the moment, we are around 15 miles from the Barracks where saturdays shootings were.

I too will be praying that we don't see a return to the NI of the past. Its such a beautiful part of the country where we are. And the people are generally lovely.

I will just focus on making my OH's last 2 weeks at home before he heads off to afghan, as happy as possible. I've got so many lovely things planned to send out to him and do for him while he's away, I am sure I can keep myself occupied.

I didn't mean to sound flippant when i said about me getting a grip, I just know that sometimes i do tend to let too many things take up too much of my thoughts. thankyou s much for your lovely reply tho.

Hugs back, M x x x

Mercy2 - it is difficult being with someone in the services or police as they really are in the front line of fire. Our loved ones could be taken from us at any time; yet at the same time they could see through their whole service and more. Life is like that. Yes, really enjoy your 2 weeks together - how long will he be away for? Do all the things you've planned and the momories of those happy occassions will be with you... always! Wish him well from me, even though you don't know me my thoughts and prayers will be with him away, and you as you worry at home... Don't worry - you weren't being flippant! I too imagine every possible scenario going in preparation for the worst - I think it is only normal to do so provided the imagination doesn't take over.

I wish you both well. x

Well, we're all here, maybe not in person but certainly online. We've all been through similar, DH is away at the minute, although thankfully nowhere dangerous.

I was going to start a thread about this incident in NI, but did think it would get political so didn't start it in the end.

i don't much understand the political side of things to be honest, and I also had a tough time deciding if i should start the thread or not.
I am glad I did tho, It means so much to know that there are ladies out there who can be there for each other, even tho we've never met.

You are all in my thoughts too ladies, in all the services, and whatever your DH'd or partners may be doin right now.

Thanks again,
Love M x x x x

DH was still posted in NI when I first met him. if you stop to think about the politics of it all, you'll get more stressed.

Just sending a hug!

Mercy, I think it is a valid concern to have. What is most shocking about what has happened in NI (to someone from Australia, though I did live in Glasgow and learned about sectarianism there, unfortunately) is while you expect to worry about your husband when they are posted somewhere 'unsafe' (like Afghanistan or Iraq) it is a shock when soldiers are targeted 'at home'. So when when there is a chance that 'our people' are being targeted at home it is very stressful. If you feel the need, don't wait to visit local support centres or padre.

I have always told my husband that is he was ever to stop being a soldier (doubt it will ever happen) I couldn't cope with him being a policeman. My step-father was a policeman, and I saw the stress my mother went through - they really can be on the frontline every single time they go to work. It is so very very sad that anyone is dragged into sectarian violence, of any kind, but for people to be targeted because they choose a job that is in service of their community has a certain added element of sadness.