I’m learning a lot about the Marine Corps and what it means on a daily basis for Grant and me. I think somehow, since we got married, I’ve been looking for the loopholes in Grant’s job. I think things like, well if Grant gets stationed here, than maybe they won’t send him to Afghanistan. I am often playing little scenarios in my mind of how we can get more time together, or how his job is going to look over the next year, etc.
But I’m learning more and more that I just can’t play those games. If Grant calls me and tells me he thinks he might be home for dinner, I have to take it totally as a “might” and be ready to re-warm dinner at 9:30pm. If Grant gets a call the night before that says he has to be at work at 3am, I can’t fight that, it’s necessary.
I watched my husband work 18 hour days last week without a single word of complaint. I watched him sacrifice the thing he loves most – studying God’s Word – for making sure our future military is strong.
I often feel my own heart thinking things like, “Why is the Marine Corps so tough?” “Why do they do this to people?”
But then I remember that it has to be tough. These men who serve are strong for a reason. They are ready to defend America. Not everyone is willing to do something like that.
When Grant and I were dating, I asked him why he joined the Marine Corps. He told me that he felt an obligation as an American to give back to his country and to help defend the freedom that he so freely enjoys.
There aren’t a whole lot of young people saying that kind of thing these days.
This morning, Grant left early. Being the amazing wife that I am, I didn’t hear the alarm clock and woke up only as he kissed me good-bye.
About an hour or so later, I got a phone call in the dark. “GraceAnna,” Grant whispered, “I hate to tell you this, but I forgot my combat boots this morning and I need you to bring them to me.“
I wanted to roll over in bed and pretend that I was dreaming. Instead I said, “Are you sure that you are missing them?” Even though I knew full well that he was.
I got out of bed and went to the closet and pulled out his enormous boots. I remember asking Grant one day, “Why do you have to wear these gigantic things? It’s not like you are going to battle today!” Grant responded, “We always have to be ready.”
I drove onto Parris Island, and I saw Marines everywhere in the dawn light. Some were recruits, some were men who chose to enlist, and some were officers. I suddenly felt silly for feeling so tired. I felt silly for playing all my little scenario games.
I pulled into the parking lot where Grant was. He bounded up in his green shorts and his Series Commander PT shirt with a huge grin on his face.
“Thank you GraceAnna, you saved my life!”
As I pulled away, I thought, “No, thanks for saving mine.”
Castleberry Hearts 
AGH! GraceAnna! this is totally making me cry! Thank you so much for sharing this with us! What a great reminder not just for those of us who are military spouses, but for everyone. 🙂 Bless you, dear!
The Lord is so gracious to His people.
GraceAnna, you have an amazing gift of putting your thoughts into words! Most Americans have no idea of the sacrifices made by our military and their families for the blessing of freedom. Thank you for the sacrifices that you make as a Marine wife. And thank you most of all for loving Grant the way you do and supporting him.
I loved this, GraceAnna! And I could totally relate. When Seth was a DI, I made some early morning dashes to PI to deliver forgotten boots or uniforms. It is good to be our husbands' helpers, isn't it?And I often play the mental game of trying to think of a way that maybe this Marine Corps career could be more family friendly, or how we might avoid a deployment, etc. I so appreciate your perspective – I need to think that way more often. :)Seth said he talked a bit with you two yesterday at church – I was in the nursery with our girls, but one of these Sundays I hope to run into you! Or maybe at Womanslife…Zoe Howard
My icky looking heart needed this. I'm always looking for loopholes. Ben left today for training and I'm in moping mode! Thank you for your encouragement friend 🙂