Closure

I may  have been putting off this final post because I was afraid to revisit this ordeal. I may have been too busy, or I may have been surrounded by friends and family who helped us not dwell and obsess over what we went though. Maybe my brain, heart and soul needed a break. Regardless, it has been 1 year 5 months and 2 weeks since the last post. I had been asked by several readers what was the outcome of all of this. I apologize for it taking so long, but here it is...

Once we received word on getting to come back home to the mainland, we felt as if a weight had been lifted. We were so excited and relieved to come back to a place we could feel safe. We went through so much in Hawaii. (That which left scars both mentally and physically.) We made it home to the mainland November 15, 2014. There was an instant sigh of relief once the plane landed.

We stayed busy looking for a house, and waiting on household goods the first few weeks. Just before Christmas a snag arose, where my husband was told he was up for a review that could potentially have him discharged from the military without benefits or any retirement options. We were terrified once again! We weren't even officially signed into the new Unit! A few phone calls later and the review was able to be pushed back to the next quarter. Enough time to be under the new command and get all his ducks in a row. He was able to find out what, when and why of the review, and what options he would or would not have.

Our optimism from returning home wavered. It once again was like a roller coaster of emotions. At least this time the highs and lows were spaced farther apart. At least this time we were closer to friends and family.

Once the review board date came and handed down the decision, it was another weight lifted. The decision was forced retirement at 20 years. Meaning, even if my husband wanted to do more than 20 years, he could not. He still retires with his benefits/pay. This was good news. I know some people wouldn't say it is, but for us it was wonderful. There was no more guessing of what was going to happen. No more wondering how long will we be in the military. It was decided for us.

With that, my husband found peace and a path to focus on. He is finishing a Master's degree while we wait for the retirement date to arrive. October 31st, 2017 will be his retirement date. The days of resentment and depression are waning. We have more days that are full of happiness than sadness. I do believe time heals all wounds. The further we get from "Hawaii" the more it feels like a bad dream.

The aftermath we deal with now, is staying healthy and on top of his post surgical issues. A lot happens when a large chunk of your colon is removed. It's a process, but we are getting through it.

Looking back, it feels like a lifetime ago. It hasn't even been 2 years. We survived it best we could. The most important thing now is enjoying what we have. We are fortunate. We are better than we were before this ordeal. That is what counts.

Thank you to everyone who shared this blog, or reached out to us and shared your similar experience. It was comforting to know we weren't the only ones. I hope on some level when people come across this blog it lets them know they are not alone as well.