A little glimpse
I had to re-schedule my acupuncture appointment for today.
With everything going on, I didn’t think I’d be able to lay there, focus and relax for an entire hour.
I kind of had a feeling it was going to be a weird day because I started off the morning by punishing myself and watching a sad YouTube video. In Jenna’s post, she mentioned her friend Ashley [side note: if you ever link to a friend, I will click the link and check out their blog -I love finding new ones] and was scrolling through to read her previous posts. She had a powerful September 11th tribute, which included a video. I watched it, and wept as the man over the phone was telling the 9-1-1 operator that he had young kids and didn’t want to die. It broke my heart, in an entirely new way, because now my husband will have his own little one(s).
I was going to go to base this morning to workout, but instead decided to wait and see if we could take Bell for a long walk tonight instead. So I dilly-dallied around the house, and then went to a friend’s house for playgroup.
There were tons of adorable babies, an amazing group of new moms and moms-to-be (I learned SO MUCH from them- more on that in an upcoming post) and yorkies, one of whom called dibs on the Boppy.
His name is T-bone and I wanted to dognap him.
I was chatting with two girls I’ve known since we were in Valdosta together, enjoyed a plate of fruit, and yet I suddenly could feel my blood sugar dropping. The room started the spin as I started to feel extremely warm and see spots. I’ve fainted before, and knew I was on the verge, so I went into the powder room and splashed water on my face, trying to cool off. I went outside to get some fresh air and couldn’t see colors- it was like everything was spotty and black and white. I carefully walked back inside, grabbed my friend Kelly (a nurse) and told her I was seeing spots. “Sit down!! I don’t want you to faint. Let’s get you some juice.” She handed me a glass of orange juice, which I finished off, and almost immediately felt better.
Except, I still felt weird.
I took the picture of T-bone on the Boppy and saw 4 missed calls from Tom. It’s not unusual for him to call me more than once, since I lose my phone so often, and I figured I could just catch up with him when I left.
Then the other girls’ phones started to ring and beep.
“Turn on the news- channel 4.”
We all scurried over to the TV, expecting the worse, and then eventually learned that the base was on lockdown.
Immediately, I called Tom- he answered right away.
He told me something was going on that he couldn’t talk about, that everyone was ok (he promised), and to stay away from base, since no one was allowed to get on or leave. From watching the news, we later found out that it was a civilian shooter.
Anytime before 6 months ago, I would have politely said goodbye to the girls, cried the entire way home and stayed here, glued to the news until Tom was back. But instead, for the baby, I took a deep breath and tried to remain as calm as possible, even though I wanted to go into serious freak-out mode. I think it may have been my first glimpse of what being a mom must feel like. I stayed to hang out with everyone, and we distracted ourselves by talking about baby carriers and cloth diapers.
This whole time I’ve been so focused on how happy and thankful I am that Tom is here with me during the pregnancy, and not deployed, but today really made me double-take on how lucky I am to have him just in my life, in general. Deployed or not deployed, just safe and alive… my husband.
We’ve said a lot of “I missed you”s “see ya later”s and “goodbyes”… and every time he comes home from work, I hug him like I haven’t seen him in a week.
Tonight’s going to be even more intense.
68 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
You and the Pilot were my first thought when I saw the news headlines…glad to hear that all is ok…whew…
Such an emotional blog…i hope everyone on the base gets home safe and sound to their families tonight, including pilot. x
My husband is in Tucson today and told me. You two were my first thought. I get the same way when something is off or going to happen it’s your intuition at it’s finest.
Oh my goodness, what a crazy afternoon. I am so sorry to hear about the shooter- about to go turn the news on myself to see what is going on. But I’m SO glad you didn’t end up going to the base to workout- someone was watching out for you! And I’m so glad that Tom is ok! Thinking of you both and praying for all of the families affected.
How scary, Gina – glad that the Pilot and everyone are safe. And thankful that all of you mommies were together, away from the base when this happened. It’s really spooky that you felt like you were about to pass out shortly before hearing from the Pilot!
Oh gosh that had to be such a horrible/scary experience…at least he’s safe and out of harms way <3
I’m so glad you’re all safe… love you guys!
Sweet Gina, sending prayers and thoughts your way. So glad the pilot is safe! Xoxo
Oh my gosh! Civilian shooter? That sounds scary. I hope everyone is okay!*
Wow. This really hit home for me. I have a son in the Marine Corps and he is stationed all the way across the country from us and I worry when I hear these things. I’m so relieved that everyone is OK and that you are, too. BIG hugs<3
“Tonight’s going to be even more intense.”
I would tell you to make a baby with the Pilot tonight, but it seems that’s already been accomplished 😉
Seriously though, I hope everything is ok!!!
haha!
As soon as I heard the news, I thought of you and the pilot. So glad you were able to talk to him and that things sound like they are ok.
Praying for you both, and that everyone at the base is safe.
I’m keeping and and your husband in my prayers.
*deep breaths* so scary! I really hope it gets figured out soon…sending virtual hugs!!!
So glad he is okay! As soon as I saw the news alert come on my phone about an Air Force base in Tuscon being on lockdown, I thought of you. Glad to know he’s alright and you’re okay!
Life is so precious– I feel like I need to make every moment count with my husband, especially since we’re long-distance right now.
Thoughts are with you, please take care of yourself and the baby– maybe try some yoga-breathing and calming poses just to keep the stress hormone levels down!!
that gave me chills- glad everything is okay, thinking of you guys
Oh gosh, Gina!!!!! I’d be beyond terrified. Honest to God, I don’t know how you live with the danger your husband has to face sometimes. Thank goodness this situation turned out to be ok!! You must be a very strong woman, and I am sure you will be a wonderful mother!
Oh my gosh, so glad everything is ok. Hugs to you all!
I’m so happy he’s okay. I can’t imagine the anxiety you must’ve felt. No bueno =( Thankfully everything is okay. You’re going to be an awesome mommy =)
What a scary day! Hope your day calms down and you get to have a lovely evening together! 🙂
I just saw that a base in AZ was on lockdown on my news (in CA) and immediately thought of you guys!! I hope Tom is home soon and you can just relax together!! Anyway, just sending good thoughts to all involved over there!!
Gina
Sending good thoughts to you. I’m reading now that there was no shooting. I hope that’s true and that nobody was hurt. I also hope that you feel better.
What is wrong with people? Seriously. Just last week I had a very similar scare involving a shooting at an iHop in NV. Several national guard members were killed and my dad is in the guard there. Thankfully, he is fine, but lost three friends. Glad your pilot is safe!
Oh my gosh- you totally sensed that something was wrong and was going to happen. Isn’t it crazy how that happens sometimes (I get that feeling a lot with people that I’m deeply connected with). That must have been so scary for you to find out that way, but I’m so glad that you were with other supportive women. Leaning on each other and keeping calm is the best thing you could have done. Prayers to all of you.
Oh girl I just got massive goosebumps for you and chills up and down my body.
I am sending some peace and loving energy vibes your way. There is far too much chaos in the world it seems; it makes me sad. But you have the right idea and I know how thankful you are for Tom…and yes, hug him even tighter tonight.
And good for you for staying as CALM as possible for your baby’s sake!
What a scary experience! I think that sometimes our bodies are in tune with things that we don’t even know yet – which is why you may have felt faint and weak right before the Pilot called. I’m so glad you stayed calm and realized that as scary as it was, there was nothing you could do in the situation but wait. I hope you give him a big big hug tonight!
Gina, I too live in Tucson. This news was terrifying, particularly after what happened in January. My thoughts went to you and your husband immediately. I’m glad to know you are both unharmed and wish you peace and calm in the coming days.
Glad he’s ok!! How scary!!!
So glad to hear all is well! Your episode makes me think you and the pilot must extremely connected!
I saw your post on Twitter and was scared for you! Because of the situation of course, but more importantly that you have a baby inside you :). Kudos for staying calm and level headed in the situation, shows how much of an awesome Mom you will be!
<3 and HUGS to you and your pilot and to your friends and their families as well. I can't wait to hear the happy resolution. 🙂 Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers till then.
CNN is reporting the base is no longer locked down as of 10 minutes ago yay 🙂 ! Hope the Pilot makes it home super quick, and safe and sound.
I live in Phoenix and I just read the article on this, they are reporting that, coincidentally a pregnant woman was taken off base in an ambulance TOTALLY unrelated to the lockdown.
Not you is it?!
Oh, Gina—this must have been horrifying. Hoping that Tom got home safe and sound, and that you’re feeling better, too.
that’s so scary!! glad all is well. p.s. you should carry candy/glucose with you at all time esp bc of your preggooness.
Ive been following your post for some time on my own quest to get healthy and fit because me and my husband are planning on having children in the near future. This post gave me the chills we must always cherish our family and take advantage of every moment we are on this earth.
You watched the Kevin Cosgrove video. I saw it on Monday and bawled. I was going to post it on my blog, but I kinda wished I never watched it….and didn’t really want anyone else to feel like I felt on a Monday, so I didn’t…
Regardless, I’m SO glad everything is OK.
It is a truly heartbreaking phone call. It did end up doing some good though, it was used at the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, the would have been 20th hijacker who was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Still awful though.
You and your family (along with everyone else) are in my prayers tonight! <3
can’t stop tearing up reading this. through your blog you’ve touched so many people and i really really hope that everyone is ok. just know that people, literally all over the country, are in your corner and would do their best to help you all!
So glad he is ok! How scary : (
I always kiss mike and Anthony goodnight and goodbye every morning, each day is a gift, u just never know.
I didn’t hear anything about it until I read your blog and the first thing I thought about was Ft. Hood and how glad I was that you didn’t go the base to workout today.
Gosh what a world we live in. So thankful you and Pilot are okay, I hope no one was hurt.
And I want to dognap the dog dog too.
it’s amazing how protective we can be of something only we can feel, isn’t it?
I didn’t hear about this, since I can’t bring myself to watch the news much anymore, but I’m so glad you and the Pilot are OK. I can’t imagine how scary that was!
What a crazy/scary/emotional day! I’m glad to hear that both of you are safe. The more that I study intuition and energy, the more that I realize how important it is to listen to our bodies. I’m glad that you had the company and support of the other mothers around you today. Enjoy your extra special evening together tonight!
This sounds awful. Good for you for pulling through and staying strong for the baby. It’s funny how the little nugget isn’t even born, but is already helping you in some ways 🙂 x&o to you and Tom!
I was so worried when I saw your tweet! Give your husband an extra hug and kiss tonight 🙂
done and done 🙂
I too am a clicker…why did I watch that video 🙁
Glad everything end OK for you guys today.
I am so glad Tom and everyone is safe. My heart dropped as I was reading your post.
It was great that you could channel your anxiety and fear away from yourself and the baby.
I’m sure your reunion with the hubby will be extra meaningful tonight.
Huggles to you!
*Huggles = Hugs + Snuggles 🙂
This must have been so scary for you! Thank goodness Tom and all his coworkers are okay. You’re so strong for being so calm throughout this – it shows you’re going to be a great mom!! 🙂