I hate that we can't talk much. He calls me from his computer using a program called netzero but if they are on a blackout which seems to be like 80% of the time I don't here from him for days. When he does call me, he's tired, wore out, quiet etc. The phone is constantly clicking in and out, hanging up etc. It's just a real pain to not be able to have a real conversation with him. It seems like hell when he doesn't call, i wait and wait, and when he does i can sometimes be dissapointed in our conversations. They seem so quick and so distant. I know we are fine because he was home about a month ago on leave and it was so nice. I'm just so stressed out. I get so edgy and emotional and just miss him, even more I miss "us".
Is there anyone else out there dealing with the freakin phone system in Iraq? Does it stess you out? Does it make you mad when the have a blackout and then finally call but you can't even understand what he's saying? Do you get bit**y about it?
THANKS!
2007-04-27 16:08:42 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
My husband has been gone for 8 months now. The first 2 months seamed to be the hardest getting adjusted to the lack of conversation. but a more "veteran" wife explained something to me. When he calls it helps him just to hear my voice. That he might have nothing to say but he wants to know what my daughter and I are up to. Don't expect to much conversation from him because most of what he sees and hears he cant tell you because of OPSEC so they dont have much to say. But you talk. Those brief moments take them away from the he)) they are living in. When I want my husband to know something but am unsure of the phones or emails I write in notebooks. It might take longer for him to find out but in the end they are more meaningful to him. He still has a notebook I wrote to him while he was in bootcamp and I was still in highschool. Its important not to get angry with him. I know your frustrated but don't unload that on him. It will make him feel guilty for something he cant control.
Even when the phone cuts out you can be grateful you know he is safe because he is on the other end. The words spoken arent as important as the call itself.
2007-04-27 17:01:12 · answer #1 · answered by Ktwman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I appreciate your husband's and your sacrifice! I'm retired military and spent a lot of time away from home. It drove my wife nuts when she had no idea where I was at. Operational security, not giving out information that is easily intercepted by the bad guys is necessary for safety. Not hearing from him is tough. It's also tough on him not being able to hear your voice. I remember the once a week phone call that sounded like I was talking in a toilet bowl and the loss of a signal midway through a call. Hang in there and I pray that things will improve and you will be able to communicate more. Keep the faith!
2007-04-27 18:29:40 · answer #2 · answered by nomad74 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yep i know what ur talkin bout!! My brother was over there for a year and he just got back, we are like best friends and it was awful not hearing from him. When he did call it would click alot or the line would disconnect, but at the same moment, there is this sigh of relief, that for that second you know he is ok. It ecspecially doesnt help w/ all the news about whats going on over there. But what u have to understand is that when they are over there like that, they can go days w/o sleeping. My brother would get maybe 5 hrs of sleep some weeks. And being tired and stressed b/c they want to come home, can make them feel miserable. I'm sure he wants to be by ur side just as much as u want him there w/ u, but he's prob just too exhasted and worn out to be enthusiastic on the phone with u. He luvs u and hopefully he wont be in Iraq forever. I dunno what company he is with, but my brother really luved it when me and my mom would send him care pkgs filled w/ his favorite things. One time i actually sent him some slippers, and he sd he could use them when he actually got a break and it was a lil bit of comfort to him. Maybe u can try that to cheer him up some?
Best Wishes!!
2007-04-27 16:22:33 · answer #3 · answered by anna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been on the other end of your situation. I am retired military and spent several years away from family. Just keep in mind that he is going through the same thing and would love nothing more (other then being home with you) then to talk to you more often. You are both making a huge sacrafice that most people just don't understand unless they have experienced it.
First, you should try to keep yourself as busy as possible. That will help the time go faster. To help him, you could record his favorite shows (if he isn't able to see them). My wife use to send me my favorite show and I really appreciated that. You could also make video tapes and send them, that way he gets to see and here you. If he has the same capability, he could do the same. I found it hard to do though.
Thank you for the sacrafice that you and your husband are making for a greatful nation! Good luck and try to keep a positive attitude!
2007-04-27 16:33:25 · answer #4 · answered by Robert C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He uses Netzero to call you?
That sounds a bit fishy. I don't think it is Netzero, as it's an ISP.
http://www.netzero.net/
2007-04-27 16:16:18 · answer #5 · answered by Mopp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to keep busy. and write him a journal or letters, and give them to him when he gets home.
2007-04-27 16:16:42 · answer #6 · answered by KJC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋