How to get through a military deployment | eHow.com

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You'll Need:

• Dedication
• Patience
• Love
• Understanding

Step1

When your spouse gets ready to leave, have a special note for them to read on the trip. It's something they can carry with them whenever and where ever they like.

Step2

Make sure there is nothing unfinished between the two of you. Being apart in a stressful situation is not a time to fight or argue. As sad as it is, you don't know if it's going to be the last time you talk to your loved one and you don't want to leave things on a sour note.

Step3

Listen to them when they call. They love you and are concerned about your day and your life away from them. But, at the same time, they are putting their lives on the line every day. Listen to them, even if it is them complaining or even crying.

Listening lets them know that you are there for them emotionally, if not physically.

Step4

Tell them how much you love them. They already know this (or they should) but hearing it and seeing it in letters never hurts either. The higher their moral, the more alert and aware they will be.

Step5

Write to them as often as possible. Send cards, letters and packages. Even if they don't have the time to write back, write to them. You can use it as a way to relieve stress and they can always have something tangible to hold that is a piece of home.

Step6

Be patient and let things roll off your back. Yes, it's easier said then done but the time will pass and hopefully your loved on will come back to you unharmed. Until then, nothing you do will bring them home sooner. Just love them and support them.

Step7

Try not to bother them with problems from home. I know things happen in every day life that can be a small tragedy, but your spouse can't fix things from thousands of miles away. So, if the garbage man accidentally tossed your trash all over the street and you had to clean it up, try not to share it. You don't want to stress your loved one out because telling them these kinds of things will only make them wish they were home so they could take care of it.

Step8

Tell them you are proud of them. You may not agree with the war and you may have your own beliefs, but what they are doing is something strong, noble and challenging. They need to know that you are behind them 100 percent and that you will always be there for them.