I was supposed to leave Korea 2 weeks ago. About 6 weeks ago I was involved in a car accident, my wife and kids had gone home early and were all set up in the new house in Maryland.

Korean law is different, I can't leave until all the crash stuff is settled and it's taking forever.

Due to an untimely PCS here and COVID I haven't seen my two oldest kids in 3 years now. I had my cross-country tripped postponed. I missed my 7th straight Thanksgiving with them and my duaghters birthday which I was hoping to be there for for a change.

I can make up the trip, but the birthdays and holidays can't be made up and missed ones are adding up.

Today was tough, I went to our little subway on base to get dinner and just became a crying ass grown man in line. Sometimes this shit don't really seem worth it. I won't apologize for being sad or emotional but I hate it.

Didn't want to mention anything cause we got members going through cancer, daughters with cancer, fathers passing away. Just a real shitty time.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm glad yall are here. You're like family even if it's on a screen. Allows me to connect somewhat and feel normal. Yall gotta be family cause some of ya piss me off and some of ya I love

Anyways, thanks for being here and the shit will always get better. Just a rough day.

Hang in there. Stay positive. It’s alright to have a down day and, Lord knows, you are in need of some positive vibes. It will turn around for you.

Sometimes things just don’t work out as we wish wether it’s our fault or the fault of others. It’s ok to lose it and let the tears flow, sometimes that’s all you can do. I’m sorry things are so messed up for you but you and yours will be fine, when you get to those kids give them all the love you can, love and attention can make up for the things missed. A lot of us are going through hard times but that does not make yours less significant. Keep your head up and be safe.

Otto, I think I would have a harder time with that than what I’m going through. I love my kid more than I love breathing.

I hope you can vacate Korea soon. And if you ever find yourself north of the Mac, beer is on me!

Otto, I wish you a speedy return to your family.

I know the feeling, Otto. Between October of 1985 and April of 1988 I saw my wife a total of 3 weeks. Unaccompanied tours suck.

Hang in there, it DOES end.

I’d be tremendously disappointed if my plans to come be with my family were delayed as well. You had a goal, a target, a resolution, and then got hung out to dry, so to speak- for circumstances out of your control. It’s infuriating and depressing as shit.

You have your family who wants you there as much as you want to be there. That’s the key to remember. Keep in daily contact and tell them how very much you want to be with them. I’m just coming to realize how important that is (at least for me). We are here meantime.

Good luck, and remember this will be over soon, and you’ll be on your way home.

Being away is never fun but makes being together that much sweeter. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless you!

Philo of Alexandria said “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”

And just because someone else may be carrying a greater burden doesn’t lessen nor mitigate your sadness. And it’s good that you are letting your feelings out, it is much more harmful to think that you should keep it in. I am sorry that you are going through this difficult time and I hope that your situation gets sorted out soon.

I met a guy two days ago with a wife, 5 young kids and a 6th on the way who have been living in their 5th wheel for the last three years. I told him flat out he’s a better man than me because I can’t imagine how he makes it work.

You Sir, are a better man than me. I can’t imagine how you make it work. I sincerely hope you get back to your family soon.

Hang in there man! It will get better!

hard to believe -- but in a few months you may look back and laugh at the absurdity of it.

just try to stay busy -- work out, go for long walks, find some good books to read, etc.

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Hang in there. Do what you can to stay connected.

Another holiday away from your kids, no wonder you’re down, James. Hope things in Korea are resolved soon and you can be reunited with your family. Sounds like a family retreat with all your kids is in order as soon as the weather turns nice. Here’s hoping Christmas is picture perfect for you.
T

I am sorry this has been your experience. That others are struggling too doesn’t make your situation any easier. Mrs DF and the kids and I have been through some terrible, desperate holidays before but at a minimum we were together. I simply can’t imagine having to do it alone. All I can say is to keep that communication going. Develop those relationships as best you can under the circumstances. Express your love continually. God bless you and your family.

Sorry to hear about your situation, OttoSig

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Korean law is different, ...

Yeah it is.

I had PCS orders for Korea when I had about 18 months left. I did not want to go. Not after all the horror stories I'd heard other soldiers relate from having been there.

Luckily, it was a paperwork mistake. They were looking for clerk/typists. I was not a clerk/typist

Hopefully sharing makes it easier. On the bright side you will get to see them again brother.

Call them or even FaceTime as much S you can.

Time is a merciless bitch and can wear anyone down.

You’ve got plenty of people pulling for you Otto!

Missed many a holiday and birthday due to the USCG. And getting divorced while serving didn’t help. I’m there with ya man. It’ll work out in the end.

Thank you for your service. I was a young single man when I was stationed overseas for three years, but at least it was my choice to stay away so long. Always was hard during the holidays though.

Hang in there Otto.

Happy Thanksgiving from Argentina.

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