Tearful Reunions
Jun 22nd, 2008 by Anna
Last night Brian and I watched a bit of the PBS documentary “Carrier” about the people who worked on the naval aircraft carrier Nimitz during a deployment to the Persian Gulf. All of the people featured in their interviews are genuinely likable. The footage of life on the ship and its operations (esp. the jets) is compelling. I also enjoyed the soundtrack. So, obviously we recommend you check this out–I believe it is out on DVD. The episode that we watched was about these people reuniting with their families after several months apart and we just ate it up. The tears were flowing on the screen and on our sofa. The most emotional story for us was about the air traffic controller who was going through a divorce and her ex was trying to prevent her three kids from meeting the ship when it arrived in Hawaii. The producers really stretched out this drama with lots of scenes of her crying and Brian kept saying stuff like “They’ve gotta let her see her kids” and “If I ever see that a-hole dad I’m gonna punch him in the face” — yeah, Brian was threatening violence. Crazy, I know! Fortunately for everyone, the kids did get to see their mom in Hawaii and we were blubbering messes in our living room watching it all.
In San Diego we often encounter members of the military and their families and hear about the separations and moves and other hardships they endure for their involvement. It is such a sacrifice, especially for those who have kids (it is hard enough raising kids with two parents in the house all the time, I can’t imagine a long separation). Despite the fact that I am upset that our military is waging war in Iraq, I believe that our country needs the armed services and am grateful that so many are making these sacrifices for our country.
Here are some pictures of my favorite member of the military, Lieutenant Noelle Murphy of the US Navy. We were able to meet her after a long deployment she completed on the USS Howard back in 2004. I’m pregnant with Oscar in the second picture.
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Yeah, Noelle! I am so impressed that she knows so much about those giant ships…and looks really great in her uniform, too.
Thanks Carrie! I can’t say how wonderful it was to see a very pregnant Anna and Brian on the pier waiting for me. It was the first and only time I’ve had someone on the pier after over 8 years of sea time and numerous deployments. I’m lucky to have such friends.