My Deployment Necklace

This necklace is special. Not just because every time I wear it in public I am stopped regularly (by the check out lady at the grocery store, by the person selling make-up at the mall, by just about everyone you can possibly imagine) to tell me how much they like it. Which they do. Like it. No, actually, I take that back. They love it. Everybody loves it.

I do, too.

But this necklace means more to me than just a pretty accessory that draws a lot of attention and goes with everything.

This necklace was made as per my specifications and request, and I wore it every single day during Michael's last deployment. If your eyesight isn't so great these days, I'll save you the trouble of squinting and tell you that the necklace has on it my military wife motto: love makes the ride worthwhile.

Perfect. True. Awesome.

During Mike's first deployment to Iraq he went as a pilot, and because pilots can't wear rings while flying (there's a silly hazard of losing fingers or something like that) I wore his wedding ring on a chain around my neck for the duration. It was important to me to keep a constant reminder of him with me during the deployment.

When he decided to wear his ring for his 2nd deployment (being that he wasn't flying and all), I had to think fast, which is when I went HERE and ordered that amazing necklace you see pictured above.

Shortly after Michael returned from Deployment #2 the chain broke and the necklace has taken residence in my jewelry box ever since. With Deployment #3 looming in my very near future (don't remind me!), I figure it's about time I resurrect my special deployment necklace, dust it off (or, actually, it needs a good polishing), and send it back HERE to have the chain fixed so it will be ready to be donned proudly around my neck for the next year.

I honestly think it doesn't get any more perfect than this necklace. It states my feelings perfectly and succinctly. I mean, I don't want to lose my husband for huge chunks of time as he works in war-torn countries, and I certainly don't love it. But I can handle it. I might even have to go as far as to say it's worth it.... because I just love him so darn much!