Apparently part of this offer of "support" comes to you through the mail in what I like to call the Pre-deployment Goodie Bag.
Much like any other goodie bag, this one stocked full of things to help lessen the stress, anxiety and sadness that comes with a deployment. Prozac? No. Paxil? No. Zoloft? No. Brochure with sad looking cartoon characters on the front to remind you how saying Good-Bye to him as he leaves is going to be one of the single hardest things you've ever had to do? Yes.
Band-aid dispenser (complete with Band-aids) to help patch up what is going to feel like a gaping hole in your heart once he is gone? Yes.
"The Big Grip" for use as a jar opener, non-slip coaster, light bulb remover, screw driver gripper, sink stop, garlic peeler (?!) and constant reminder that you no longer have a man around to do all of that for you? Of course, how practical.
Magnetic ruler, book mark and sticker? Yep, got them too. As to how these are going to make me feel better about Charles being gone for nine months...well, your guess is as good as mine.
Jokes aside, while I understand and appreciate the sentiment behind my "goodie bag", I must say that I am also slightly offended. To me, as I am sure to anyone else that has had to go through the deployment of a spouse or family member, deployment is not something that is taken lightly. It is a serious and potentially life changing experience that affects not only the person being deployed, but also the people they leave behind. As such, I feel that it should be treated in a respectful and mature way. I do not for one second think that a booklet depicting various depressing farewell scenarios, a jar opener, and a band-aid dispenser are anywhere near appropriate.
Bottom line? Deployment stinks. Even if you are one of the guys (or girls) that is sincerely looking forward to being deployed, there simply is no way for loved ones to be separated for any length of time without it being difficult for everyone involved. Giving someone a bunch of free junk doesn't make things any easier, or better. As my mom says, you can put glitter on shit, but it is still shit.
So what would make it better? A simple, clean package with no bells, whistles or big grips. Let me know the support is there should I need it, provide me with any information that I may find useful in preparing for the deployment and, as a final touch, a simple yellow ribbon so that I too may show my support.
