Annie's teacher started a countdown on the whiteboard in Annie's classroom that says, "Days until Annie's daddy comes home: ______ " and every day when I pick her up from school, she reminds me how many days are left until her daddy comes home in a voice that almost verges on a squeal.
We just found out that another nine days are being added to his deployment.
And I know it's just nine days, but when you're this close to having your family back together under one roof, nine days seems like an eternity.
It was Annie that took it the hardest though.
She was inconsolable.
She just sat on my lap, crying so hard that she couldn't catch her breath while Coley and I loved on her.
I let Josh know that she was struggling and the next morning, there was an email in my inbox to Annie from her Daddy (which he gave me permission to share):
Hey little Lover,
I heard you were pretty sad last night when you heard that I have to stay for a few extra days here in Afghanistan. I was pretty sad myself when I found out, but then I thought of something really cool. This is all happening according to God's plan. How exciting to know that I have to stay here in Afghanistan because of his will. He must have something real special planned for me. The same goes for you...there is a reason that God wanted your dad to go to Afghanistan. There is a special reason, we may not know or understand for years (if ever), but there definitely is a special reason.
I know me being gone has been very tough for you, but I'm proud of you for sacrificing and being so strong through this. Dads don't cry very often, but I do whenever I think of you...just don't tell my friends.
It's going to be so wonderful to get home and love on you. Hang in there baby. Tell mom you want to hear "Rock and Roll Music" by the Beach Boys (she has it on her iTunes). You better dance, because I can't listen to that song without dancing. I attached a picture of me smiling because I know you're waiting for me at home.
I love you,
Dad
P.S. Pinch your mamma's bum for me!
And if you're reading this Josh Down...You are the most dedicated dad and the most attentive husband and the most honorable man I know. Thanks for being all of those things.
Oh my goodness I needed to read this today. I'm currently in a different kind of wait for my family to come together, and it keeps getting pushed back and pushed back. I keep saying to myself something to the effect of what your lovely husband wrote there, it's God's plan and he knows what he's doing. There are good reasons. But, reading it in print this morning when I'm feeling so weak. I feel like God is saying: "yes, that's just it. Yes it is true."
Thank you.
Posted by: Corri C | February 03, 2012 at 08:32 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this, Karen. I have been having a really pathetic "pity-party" for myself for a couple of days now, and seeing this brings all my lame BS into perspective. There are so many more important things happening in the world and I have to remind myself of that. You have an amazing family and I pray for Josh's safe return.
Posted by: Lou | February 03, 2012 at 08:42 AM
God bless you, Annie and Josh Downs. Y'all are awesome. I'm praying for Josh Downs safe return home. I can't thank you enough for your service and sacrifice.
Posted by: Kristen | February 03, 2012 at 08:43 AM
crying here. praying for your family to come together safe and soon. josh is seriously one of the most amazing men i've ever encountered based upon what you share karen. he sounds like it was worth kissing all the frogs to end up with him.
Posted by: mandy friend | February 03, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Crying here too! Wow, Annie, how your Mom and Dad met each other and created you is such a miracle. Another in God's plan! Mommy is working so hard to take good care of you while Daddy protects our wonderful USA. I bet you will be 9 days happier and even MORE excited when he gets home. Do you think your teacher would let Mommy put a picture of your countdown calendar on her blog? That would be really cool! I will be praying 9 extra days to protect and safely guide Daddy home to all of you. Cole and Courtney and Ruoss are lucky to have a little sister like you and thank God you all have each other!!!! Daddy looks pretty excited to get home!
Posted by: Susan Ringler | February 03, 2012 at 09:09 AM
Oops! Sorry Ross! Can't spell today!
Posted by: Susan Ringler | February 03, 2012 at 09:09 AM
does josh know he is making all the mommas across this country cry at their computer screens right now?! sniff...
Posted by: kate | February 03, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Dear Annie,
I bet you want your Daddy home real bad.
And I think your Daddy wants to BE home even more, to see his baby's happy face when he gets here.
Remember, though, all those days he was gone? It's only NINE more, just a little over one extra week.
You've been so brave and strong, missing him and loving him while he was away. You can do this. With God's help, you can be a strong little girl.
Just think how SUPER excited you and your dad are going to be when you hug him SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hard!!!
Krys
Posted by: Krys72599 | February 03, 2012 at 09:27 AM
You bought me to tears Josh Downs! You guys are all such a wonderful family!
Posted by: Addie | February 03, 2012 at 09:45 AM
And now we all have tears in our eyes. Keeping you all in my prayers!
Posted by: janel | February 03, 2012 at 09:46 AM
oh ms. karen russell - you have an amazing family. love that you've documented josh being away so that when you're all back together you can savor every moment.
Posted by: melanie | February 03, 2012 at 10:04 AM
His email to Annie has me crying! You guys are really good parents. Thanks to you and your family and especially the hubs for serving our country! And making such a big sacrifice for the rest of us.
God definitely does have his plans, and he is GREAT through it all!
Posted by: Angela | February 03, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Oh my ! this was so sweet and sad and lovely all at the same time... thinking of you all, and saying a prayer for his safe and swift return. Bless you all for the service and the sacrifices...
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | February 03, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Tears. What an awesome Dad. And husband. Covering him with prayers until his return. You are awesome Karen!
Posted by: payton | February 03, 2012 at 10:15 AM
This made me cry at work. What a great dad. You're a great mom too, Karen. Hang in there!!
Posted by: Nikol | February 03, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Dammit, I'm crying too. What an awesome Dad - and you're an amazing Mom too. Stay strong!
Posted by: jen | February 03, 2012 at 10:22 AM
You tell that sweet Annie...this brought a couple tears to my eyes too today. I only see the funny happy side of Annie in the photos and to think of her crying made me sad too.
I say a little prayer for your family and all the families who have loved ones deployed each night too. I was an army bratt too and when my father was gone I was too young to know what was happening.
Posted by: Lisa | February 03, 2012 at 10:32 AM
Oh wow, poor Annie. I'm sure nine extra days feel like an eternity to you and Josh, it mudt feel like a year for Annie. I hope the time left and the extra days fly by so quickly and you can all be reunited soon.
Posted by: Christie | February 03, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Hugs to you all. And thank you for being so transparent on your blog. You have brought so much to so many people. We are all thinking of and praying for your family.
Tammy
Posted by: tammy t | February 03, 2012 at 10:41 AM
I so needed this today. I'm also in a waiting situation for our family to be back together and no matter how strong I try to be for our son, it's not easy and I often don't have the right words for him. It's hard to explain why something is happening to a child when you don't even understand yourself. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Liza | February 03, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Like so many of your other commentors, I need to read this today. I know Josh's words to Annie probably helped her immensely, and I hope you'll tell him that it has helped so many others by letting you share. I'd love to count down the days with you all ...
Posted by: Lacey | February 03, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Poor Annie. She's lucky to have a dad that loves her so much. I hope the remaining time goes by quickly and that the nine extra days only feels like nine extra minutes. Anyone can wait for nine minutes.
Posted by: Brianna | February 03, 2012 at 11:43 AM
You two are an incredible inspiration. What an amazing way for him to explain why Annie has to endure the hurt and pain of missing her Dad. It doesn't help the pain but wow does it sure put things in perspective. Thank you.
Posted by: Allison Waken | February 03, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Awww.... Josh's letter brought tears to my eyes! You and Josh are amazing parents. I love your blog Karen! I hope you always continue to blog. Your fans across the country are looking forward to counting down with you! I can't wait to read that blog post and see the photos when Josh gets home!
Posted by: Amy Taylor | February 03, 2012 at 11:59 AM
omg - where did you find this man????? What a wonderful dad!
Posted by: Cathy B. of Il | February 03, 2012 at 12:03 PM