Montana

For the past week, I have been in Montana.
And while there is snow as far as the eye can see, I am looking it.
I am staying with Mark's Aunt and Uncle who have opened their home and their hearts to me.
I arrived Sunday evening, after a day of traveling. I might have enjoyed the trip if trying to get to one's connected flight wasn't like Track and Field.
The West is so beautiful and where we are, so peaceful, so quiet. Uncle Jim's and Aunt Michael's home is builded into the mountain side. The house is heated by wood heat and it is nice and toasty.
Here I have been able to sleep, to still the insane thoughts that often attack me. I also don't have to hear "we support our troops"
It is done.
Here people don't just 'pray' (while needed) but hug and and pat you on the back, offer to buy you a cup of Starbucks and that YOU for standing behind your husband as he does his job.
Where I have no fear of voicing my concerns, yes my fears and no worries of being judged.
It is here, in these quiet mountians I have found the peace my soul longed for.
Yes, I miss my Starbucks buddy, but now I laugh daily.
And when I return home in three weeks time, I shall be able to cope better with the months that laid before me.
This  trip has taught me the real need of the spouse taking care of him/herself while their mate is deployed. We are so busy keeping the homefires going, keeping all of the balls in the air, we forget that there is a spouse in Iraq or Afghanistan that needs us healthly. They need to know we are ok.
But we must do it for ourselves as well.
That is truly ok to take a trip to  the Spa, the beach, visit a national site. Just allow the body to breath new air and the soul renew itself.
Each of us needs to find that place of retreat.
Right now, Montana is my.