So...as everyone who reads this blog has figured out by now, Kim runs this thing. I'm at work, on lunch/midnight meal/whatever you want to call food at 1 in the morning, and I've got time for once...so I figured I'd throw something up here that has been on my mind in the recent week.
If you haven't heard yet, come February I'll be re-enlisting for another four years. The process to this decision has caused a lot of hurt feelings with friends and family, and many discussions between Kim and I. As such I feel I need to explain a few things that brought this about.
Kim and I knew about my contract ending a full year ago and began contemplating what to do just after Natalie was born. It took us almost a full year to finally come to a conclusion. I spent months debating good and bad, checking other jobs and their benefits, thoughts of returning to STL or staying in Virginia, talking with countless co-workers about their decisions. I prayed constantly and had many others pray that God would point me in the direction He wanted me to go. It was never an easy decision for me.
I know in my heart that re-enlisting is the best for my family and as such I know it is going to hurt feelings. I'm sorry. I love ya'll but I have an obligation to do what is best for my family and ensure that they are taken care of.
For my friends, I'm sorry I'm not the greatest of friends. I go months without talking to any of you, and then I show up in STL for a week and ya'll jump through hoops to hang out for a night. Know that it means the world to me to have such good friends even if I'm not one. I know I don't call on birthdays, holidays, whatever days. I know I don't write a blurb on anything, anywhere. Please understand that everyone of you are my closest and dearest friends. Understand that I miss being around all of you. I want my daughter to hear some stories about how her father used to be, because honestly...I'm not like that much anymore, if at all. Keyword SOME.
For my family, I know I'm not the greatest of sons/sons-in-law. You're lucky to hear from me once a month. Know that this isn't permanent. It's four years and it will go by quickly. Know that I want my daughter to know her grandparents, uncles and aunts. I want her to be spoiled. I want her to see Popaw/Grandma/Oma/Opa and be loaded with joy that they are around. Just understand that even if we aren't there, she will know who you are and will love you just as we do.
Those that have known me for awhile know this isn't an easy thing for me to write. I know I'm not the greatest of oral communicators but writing seems to be my forte, so this is my podium. Most of all know that we miss everyone and everything. Know that this decision was extremely difficult, but it's the right thing for right now. Know that our house is always open to all of you, 24-7-365. We will always be posting on here. We'll always be making those random and not so random trips to/through STL.
Anyways, this has taken me over an hour and a half to write. Lots of deleting paragraphs and retyping to find the right words. The jist is this: We love all of you and we miss all of you.
Hopefully see you soon,
Windle to most
Ryan to some
4 comments:
I know we miss you guys here but your family comes first for sure. Besides, we always love traveling places and love to visit. :)
You have to do what you have to do! We love you and are happy to see you, in person or via the internet, whenever we can. Four years will FLY by, and then you'll do what you have to do at that point. Ryan, you are amazing. Never doubt that. Your wife and daughter are pretty great, too! We love you all... ~Lynn and Mike
Ryan, do not think, for a moment, that you are not a good friend. You are one of the best people I know. We will always be here to support whatever decisions you make. Always know that we love you, Kim, and Natalie. Your family comes first as they should. Besides, how else will I get to come to VA next year.
You have a family and Bryan and I both understand the HUGE decisions that take place envolving family matters and those needs do have to come first, thus far that is why we are still here in Indy. But however, we will make it one of these 4 years to the east coast to visit as well ya'll are always welcome to make a pit stop in Indy on your trips of driving home if there are any. As Bry puts it " you've got to do what you've got to do, Dude!
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