I don't have any kids of my own, but being a parent looks to me to be the hardest job EVER. So when a few stories came to my attention today about parents in the military who get deployed at the same time, my jaw just about dropped. I can't imagine being a working mother, and having my job be thousands of miles away from the little people I love most. Not being able to see all the changes they go through for an entire year. But these women, and their husbands, are making it work as part of their service to our country.
First, let me introduce you to Master Sgt. Rudy Gamez and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez. The Gamez family's story was featured today by the Department of Defense. The couple is in the Air Force and both are in Afghanistan. They are parents to 5-year-old Tomas and 3-year-old Eva, who are cared for by Christina's family while mom and dad are overseas. Rudy and Christina have their own blog, called Double Duty: Know Before You Go, in which they share the highs and lows of their predicament. Christina blogged about decorating her children's room before her one-year deployment began:
If that quote made you break out the tissue, keep a few extra sheets handy for this CNN story on another couple's double deployment. It's about Marine Staff Sgt. Jeff Rice, his wife Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chat Rice, and their 2-year-old son Seth:
