He’s been mobilized

Two days ago I sat in the shade with two sisters who have been going through a lot in the pandemic.   We were getting together for the first time since the pandemic to talk.   Six minutes into our conversation Kate called me.   I texted her back “I’m in a meeting.  Is it important?”    The words back were not ones I expected.   “Adam has been mobilized”.   

This Saturday should be Kate and Adam’s wedding at West Point.  Today was the day we were driving down.   We were going to let Joe have some time and get acclimated.  We are supposed to be having family and friends flying and driving in.  At this point in pre-pandemic life I expect Kate would be fully stressed and barking orders.   My girl and I would hustle off to a quiet corner where the two of us could be together and come back to knowing it’s all going to be great.  We should be with Adam’s family and so excited for the wedding.   

In pandemic world the ceremony is put off for another year.   I have no idea where Joe will be then.   I was scared after Liz’s wedding where he would be a year later.   I was scared after Liz’s wedding I had to do this eleven months later.    Now I am just scared.   Joe has been progressing faster in this pandemic.   The wedding is on hold and everything is uncertain.  

Kate and Adam have talked to Father.   They are planning a courthouse ceremony to be legal and let Kate have the military benefits.   This includes the ability to go to the base.   She is currently not allowed.   She desperately wants to pin Adam when he gets promoted which should be in a few weeks.   They planned to go last Friday but he was stuck at the range and the courthouse closed.  

They planned that anytime he was off duty and the courthouse opened this week, they would go get their license and have a quick legal ceremony.   It breaks my heart to not be there with my girl for this.   But I know how important it is for them as a couple with the military.   So when the phone rang I was expecting “We did it.   We are married”.   Instead “He is mobilizing”

I cannot explain to you how badly this rattled me.  I cannot explain the true fear that ran through me.  Adam told me over a year ago he did not want to deploy until they were married and he could protect her.   In that moment I was terrified.    

Adam was mobilized and he is safe.    He should be returning to base soon but will have to quarantine in the barracks for two weeks.   I thank God he is safe.   I thank God the first time we did this was baby steps.  Kate is aware of what she is signing up for but the reality is challenging.    I pray we can get them legally married soon.    I pray Adam will be able to be at the next scheduled wedding date and not deployed.   I also pray that Joe will know his little girl on her wedding day.