Choosing a Positive Attitude

I choose to remain positive and keep a positive attitude even when my current situation warrants rather the opposite. Honestly, it is extremely difficult to be apart from Matt, and not hear from him while he is in Basic Training. This weekend through today has been an emotional roller-coaster.

Before Matt left for BMT, Friday through Sunday were our days to reconnect due to our crazy work-schedules. Now that he is away, the weekends are a bit painful. I really hoped to receive a call from him this Sunday - it didn't happen. Perhaps one of the 50 guys in Matt's flight caused the whole group to get in trouble (which has been regularly happening), or maybe Matt was exhausted (which is more likely); anyway, I didn't hear from him.

So, Monday began with my attitude poor and I found it difficult to remain positive throughout the day. Okay, I actually admit that I am not always positive (much to the shock of my co-workers in MO, who usually see me as upbeat). Toward the afternoon, I regrouped, gotta keep the faith, right?

I believe prayers can be answered in ways we least expect them. Get this, I was actually staring at my cell phone, even had it open, just looking at the screen. Around 4:30 pm, my caller ID showed an incoming call from "Matthew Brown". My wonderful, sweet husband had called in. The phone call only lasted three minutes. Hearing my husbands' voice was priceless. Matt is doing really well and he sounded good.

I may misquote this, but I've heard the saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words", I beg to differ; I believe an unexpected phone call (when you need it most) is worth more. The power of prayer can get you through anything, and choosing a positive attitude helps to start the day. Now I just need to remember that!

BMT Week One Complete

It's amazing how much an eight-minute phone call between you and a loved one can change your day. On Sunday night, I finally received a phone call from Matt. He is doing well (I knew he would be). It was wonderful to hear his voice, and thankfully, he sounded much like himself. Matt reported that BMT is definitely stressful and tough, which he expected. He said he is handling everything just fine.

This Monday begins Week Two of BMT - Basic War Skills; here are a list of activities:

• Weapon handling and maintenance
• TEMPER (Tent Extensible Modular Personnel) tents
• Integrated base defense
• Cover and concealment
• Tactical movement
• Firing positions
• FPCON (Fire Protection Conditions)
• Defense fighting positions
• SALUTE (Size/Activities/Location/Unit ID/Time/Equipment
• Reporting
• Challenge procedure

On a personal note, thank you again for your thoughts and prayers! Please continue to keep the men, women and their families who are serving our country domestic and abroad in your thoughts and prayers.

Basic Military Training Update: Zero Week Complete

At this point Matt has completed Zero Week of Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. Communication between us has been extremely limited, which I expected, I look forward to actually speaking with Matt for more than the 30 second phone call that he arrived safely in Texas.

Today I received a postcard from the Air Force BMT with Matt's mailing address; I'm thankful I can at least write to him now.

I feel as if I've grown up about 10 years this week, there's something very real about waking up and realizing, "Okay, I'm on my own now..." I wonder if Matt is feeling the same way too. One way that I've tried to stay connected with my dear husband is to read up on the coming weeks' BMT schedule. It may seem nerdy, but it's helpful to me.

Before I end this post, I must say that Matt and I are incredibly blessed with great family and friends in New York and Missouri; all of whom have shown their kindness and support the past few weeks.

Thank you so much to everyone who has called and e-mailed with an encouraging word, listening ear, and offered prayers. I definitely felt lifted up this week, and I'm sure Matt felt your prayers too. Hopefully by this time next week I'll have heard from him.

May God continue to bless the men, women and their families who serve our country.

To our family in NY and MO, here is Matt's address:
AB Brown, Matthew C.
326 TRS/FLT 335 (Dorm A3)
PSC3
1320 Truemper St. Unit 36941005
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570

*** and per Matt, please only send letters on a plain envelope (only write the mailing and return address on the envelope), and no cards or carepackages can be accepted. I know it's a bit strict; however, it's boot camp for a reason. ***

Service before self

Service before self is an Air Force core value.

Today is the day that Matt has been waiting for. He flies to Lackland AFB this afternoon for eight-and-a-half-weeks of basic military training (boot camp). Matt is as ready as he can be, and so am I.

Leading up to today, we've been fortunate to spend the past five-days together free from work. Between my two jobs and Matt working nights, it's a challenge to see each other; but, as the great team we are, we always manage to stay connected. The last several days have brought a higher meaning to our love and commitment to each other.

I know this upcoming year of living apart will be incredibly difficult, but I also believe it allows us a chance to grow independent of each other so that together we are a stronger couple. I choose to stay focused on the positives this year will bring. Even more, I've always seen Matt's potential, and I believe his path of service will allow him to see it in himself.

The pictures posted in this entry are from Matt's enlistment last summer...like I said, it's been a long time coming for his departure to boot camp and then on to 10-months of Technical training.

My prayers are for continued blessings for the men and women, and their families who serve our country. May they feel uplifted by a grateful nation.