Reintegration Weekend One

I wish I could stay positive about this past weekend, but really who would find driving 9 hours round trip for roughly 3 hours of information really to be worth it.  As I have said, Josh and I enjoy driving in the vehicle and for that it was nice.  However, forced army fun... not so much.  It amazing to hear of how they were treated in country, even the "small" things such as never having a day off and then seeing their reaction when the soldiers walk in and the "welcome home soldiers" and other compliments begin.  

We stayed at the Sagamore, which is a very nice resort on Lake George.  Josh loved the fact that it was on it's own island.   In the peak season, this is the creme de la creme of resorts to stay at, but in the middle of winter/end of February - it's cold and much of the area is closed for the season.  Even the McDonalds sign said "See you in MAY!"  Shocking!   Clearly the area needs a few more Josh-type coke drinkers to keep it in business.   

Honestly, we sat through about an hour or so of a welcome/warm-fuzzy type session and we ventured off the to the provider forum (aka an army vendor fair).  The provider forum was nice, but Josh was "Johnny on the spot" when he returned and checked off everything within a few weeks of returning home.  The rest of the day was ours to "enjoy".  We woke up the next morning and headed off to three different sessions, which totaled two hours and then were released for the weekend.  We packed up and headed home.

It might seem like it was a waste of time... it was.  It's frustrating. 

Josh and I try to find ways to continually reintegrate as a couple.  As mentioned this weekend, the honeymoon is over.  Reality has set in.  He is back. We are back at work. Life is moving forward.  Things aren't yet normal.  We wait for the "new normal."  A year lost.   Patience.