trying to come back home and a huge thank you

[marathoner452]

Just like running your first marathon leaves you far more exhausted and far less able to get out of bed and more emotionally worn out than you could have imagined, so did my first deployment. It was like a marathon in a lot of respects-you couldn't just give up when you were tired, you really had no idea what you were getting into, and while adrenaline keeps you going, as soon as you stop it all catches up with you. Even more, with deployments like this you have less than 24 hours of warning, not 4 months to get ready.

What I'm trying to say is that I'm much more exhausted than I expected, in all senses of the word, and it has very little to do with the fact that I went to bed at 4 am last night. Thank goodness I work for the Red Cross, so they'll completely understand when I don't get right back to normal. Also, thank goodness for all of my endlessly supportive friends and family. You all have helped New Orleans rebuild too, more than you probably realize, because we disaster relief workers couldn't do what we do without you all backing us up.

Narrative of my experiences to follow when I'm ready for it.

~Bethany

Comments

[roadwarrior220.livejournal.com]

We're very thankful of and for you and the work you did and the sacrifices you made during your deployment. You continue to bless all of us with your unselfish love and kindness.

[melaniemonkey.livejournal.com]

I love how you're trying to keep this all into perspective versus burning yourself out, which is so easy to do when you're working so hard for others.