The Start to a New Chapter.
8 Years ago My Handsome soldier 17
years of age, fearlessly joined United States Army Reserve. Many
neighbors, friends, and family tried talking him out of it. Tanner
Did not take their advice into account. He joined anyways. He
graduated a year later and got taken to boot camp. Later which his
family all joined him for his graduation.
This is where I came into play. Couple
weeks after he arrived home we got set up on a date. Tanner liked me
a lot. I of which did not realize. We dated on and off for 9 months.
Went to california and FELL IN LOVE. That is the place I found out
how much he liked me. He had not let me know this the whole time; you may
ask why???
2 weeks later He wrote me a love letter
and was off to iraq. That is why.
He didn't want to make me feel pinned
down to wait for 14 months for him so he left it all up to me. Well
two weeks went by and I knew I was in LOVE. I hurried and wrote him a
love letter back saying TANNER I WANT TO WAIT FOR YOU. 6 years later
I can still remember him receiving that letter. I was at my room
mates, friends homecoming get together and tanner called and was
soooooo excited I would wait. Through that deployment tanner wrote
many many letters postcards and sent packages and planned a surprise
birthday homecoming for me. He is the most amazing Soldier I know. He
worked soooo hard to show me his love through such a long year. He
fulfilled his deployment duties to the fullest. He never backed out
of any missions, or duties he was asked to do. Tanner got in many
road side bomb accidents, and still never backed out on the next. I
am the proudest wife. This deployment really tried my faith I relied
on my families faith that he would come home to me. Tanner however
knew that he would come home. He had so much faith. I was so in love
with him. I couldn't wait to see him and have him come back.
14 months later he arrived to Utah. a
soldier's homecoming is prob the most patriotic, amazing and
emotional thing I could witness. Soldiers stepping off the airplane
running to their wives, kids girlfriends and families. I just jumped
into tanners arms with so much joy of him being home. The stress was
pulled off all of our shoulders. Tanners mom and I became so close
through this deployment. We started off not hardly knowing each other
at all and to this day we are still so close. I am so lucky to have
the in laws I have. The faith of my parents is huge. I could always
rely on calling my mom to re assure me that tanner in fact would come
home. I love you guys.
The following year in half was quite
Difficult. We fought constantly breaking up and getting back together
again. I loved tanner so much yet he was dealing with the stuff from
iraq. Which was a lot. Finally a year in a half later HE asked me to
be his wife. AHHH hurray at that point there was no shadow of a doubt
that tanner was in love. And KNEW with all his heart that he was
ready to marry me. He was a totally different man. I was soooooooo
happy. We worked so hard to make it to the temple and that day was a
day to remember. The smiles on my face and on his face can never be
forgotten.
One year later he got orders to deploy
to Afghanistan. Nooooo I was devastated. I was soooo afraid for him
to leave me. All it took for me to break into tears was to picture
him saying good bye at the terminal. Ahh still breaks my heart. For
that first year we attended the temple once a month. I needed all the
comfort and faith I could get. Tanner is the most courageous man I
know. He kept strong and all though sad to leave he was def. My rock
leading up to the day.
Afghanistan was prob the hardest of the
two deployments. HE couldn't tell me anything due to the base he was
on. He was a higher rank, there fore much more busy. I just waited
for that phone call each day to hear all was ok. We had a horrific
accident in march that tanner watched happen and was able to help his
buddies and we had our first casualty happen to a close soldier. That
day was devastating for our guys. How amazing are they. I felt very
proud that I could attend the funeral and viewing in place of tanner.
I love him sooooo much. I was able to record and get photos of the
whole thing to make a film for tanners buddies. This deployment he
was very strong and went through so much. I was very very afraid of
tanner not coming home to me. My bishop challenged me to go to the
temple weekly for the last few months. I am so happy to report that I
did do that. I know that tanner and each guy was watched upon by the
angels and each of our prayers answered. Even though it seemed like
most times they weren't Anne's husband did say. “NO Keep those
prayers coming, I see them being answered daily.” I just love anne
and love tim. They both helped me get through this deployment as
well.
October came and the day I would see
tanner finally arrived!! I woke up feeling like I would be getting
married again!! I had butterflies in my stomach. I am A PROUD Wife.
Tanner and I did it. 7 years in the military for me and 8 Years for
him. What an accomplishment. We arrived at HILL AIR FORCE BASE and
all sat in the hanger waiting and waiting. I thought for sure there
would be a delay because that is how the army works. DELAYS!!!! Nope
right on time. They opened those doors and out was the run way. I sat
in tears watching that airplane circle around and land. What an
emotional moment. Tanner was coming home to me. All but one of the
guys would be coming home. My heart goes out to the Arruda family.
And to all those soldiers who lost such an amazing man. I was so
lucky to have jen film and anne olsen take pictures. They captured
everything to the T. I jumped into tanners arms and just kissed and
kissed him and couldn't stop smiling. I was happy to say that I did
it. I was the girl that got to support this Courageous, handsome,
Brave soldier.
ONE year later has past and it is time
to say farewell. Those 8 years brought JOY, tears, excitement,
learning, emotions, faith, prayers and so much more. Tanner is the
most amazing soldier I know. He Fulfilled that contract to the most
highest. He can get out with no regret. I love him so much. It will
be a huge change for my handsome and prob be hard at times knowing he
will never deploy again. But he will finish school and hopefully make
it into the DEA. He is such a hard worker. Tanner is my best friend
in the whole wide world. Even though we fought a lot. We also kissed
a lot. He never gave up on me. He is the most forgiving guy I know.
Tanner thank you so much for your
service. For having so much faith. Your guys will miss you so much.
Thank you so much for asking me to be your wife. The 3rd
year is the charm. And here is to many many more. You did 8 amazing
years in the army reserves.
Here are some photos of AFG and our reunion # Two
Soldiers Prayer
Tanners Sweet Ride
The Cute monkey they bought for 7 hours. ISnt tanner HOT
AWWW Best Moment in that YEar
We are so in love
So happy to be in these arms
Anne is the most amazing friend i know. She is an incredible mother of three girls who all missed their daddy and husband for 18 months. I couldnt have gone through this without her. I love you anne. WE DID IT!!!
Today is the day.!!! these pictures that were taken will forever stay in my heart. my friend aubree did an amazing job. Tanner is my most favorite friend i have, he is mr fix and always there to help me. we fight yet we know how to communicate to work it out. i love him so much and i am so proud of the two of us for making it through these 8 years. Here is to our new chapter . I love you my tan man supa man
