As a military spouse, we face extended times of separation. During those times it is the job of the people left behind to take care of the families of the soldiers who are gone. We do everything from mowing lawn to babysitting in order to make sure long times apart are a little bit easier.
My family chose to help another family who was facing an 6 month deployment. We were happy to jump in. We didn't know each other very well, but when you're military, you're family. When that spouse calls, you answer, no matter what!
The girls and I were getting ready for a picnic with my husband's unit and their families. Translation: we were all bathed, hair done, cute outfits (and I'd even managed to put on some make-up, which is a VERY rare happening in our house!) and ready to go.
Just as we were on our way out the door, I received a frantic phone call from the spouse who we were supporting. I automatically feared the worst: the loss of our soldier. After calming her down enough to understand what she was saying, I was relieved to find out that her husband was fine, but the family lizard was not.
Just as we were on our way out the door, I received a frantic phone call from the spouse who we were supporting. I automatically feared the worst: the loss of our soldier. After calming her down enough to understand what she was saying, I was relieved to find out that her husband was fine, but the family lizard was not.
Yup, that's what I said: The family lizard died!
After taking a deep breath myself, to process what she'd just said to me, I asked what I could do to help. She immediately responded that I should come over. So, without hesitation, I loaded up the kiddos and over we went.
I had no idea what the expect, but when I arrived, she was hysterical. After calming her down, I asked what she would like to do with the lizard. She wanted to bury it. So, we got a box and shovel and out to the yard we went. She gave me the shovel and, through her crying and mumbling, pointed to the spot she'd like the lizard buried....Looks like I'm the one digging the hole!
So here we are, me (in a super cute sundress and flip-flops w/ full done hair and make up) in the 100 degree heat, digging a hole for some random reptile's final resting place, whilst Little Godzilla's owner is sobbing uncontrollably. The excavation took about 15 minutes, we lowered the box into the hole, I covered it up and turned around to walk inside.
I thought the weird part of this situation was over, after all, the lizard was in his final resting place. NOPE-Now I'm asked to say a few words and perhaps a prayer.
At this point, I had no idea what to say, but being the good Pastor's Kid that I am, the 23rd Psalm just started coming out of my mouth....
When I had finished residing over Little Godzilla's funeral service, it was time to leave. I was SUPER late to the picnic and had to tell my husband and his boss 3 times what had happened b/c no one could really believe I was now officially a reptilian reverend.
In the end, I am happy that in her hard time, I was able to help. It was weird, but I will do anything for my military sister! I just hope that next time it doesn't involve any reptiles!
I had no idea what the expect, but when I arrived, she was hysterical. After calming her down, I asked what she would like to do with the lizard. She wanted to bury it. So, we got a box and shovel and out to the yard we went. She gave me the shovel and, through her crying and mumbling, pointed to the spot she'd like the lizard buried....Looks like I'm the one digging the hole!
So here we are, me (in a super cute sundress and flip-flops w/ full done hair and make up) in the 100 degree heat, digging a hole for some random reptile's final resting place, whilst Little Godzilla's owner is sobbing uncontrollably. The excavation took about 15 minutes, we lowered the box into the hole, I covered it up and turned around to walk inside.
I thought the weird part of this situation was over, after all, the lizard was in his final resting place. NOPE-Now I'm asked to say a few words and perhaps a prayer.
At this point, I had no idea what to say, but being the good Pastor's Kid that I am, the 23rd Psalm just started coming out of my mouth....
When I had finished residing over Little Godzilla's funeral service, it was time to leave. I was SUPER late to the picnic and had to tell my husband and his boss 3 times what had happened b/c no one could really believe I was now officially a reptilian reverend.
In the end, I am happy that in her hard time, I was able to help. It was weird, but I will do anything for my military sister! I just hope that next time it doesn't involve any reptiles!
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