An Update on Bri

Bri had called me last week when my "graduation" ceremony had started. I felt horrible not being able to take her call. She had told me to call her afterwards, when I did I got no answer. I called a couple times the next day trying to see if I could catch her. On Sunday she called and she only had 15 minutes before she needed to be doing something so we only got two minutes to chat. She told me that she was doing ok and that she had bumped her head on the Humvee (spelling?). But she needed to go and she would call me back as soon as she could.

At around 8ish (CA) time she called me. We said hi and she asked how I was and then I asked how she was, "Alright" was her reply. I know that one well. I asked her what was wrong and she started to cry. She said it had been one of those days. Someone in her that she has been paired with quite often has been slacking on her part and has lost 4 items (not sure what they were) for the unit during training, as I understand it- don't quote me. She had tried to talk to this person and the irresponsibility continues. Brianna is very hard working and when someone is slacking on their part and letting other people down she will do what she can. She knows that she is responsible for this person and vice versa so she has had a tough time dealing with the lack of responsibility especially when her life depends on it. Bri has had little time to do anything. They run a pretty tight schedule and she finally had an hour today to do a little bit of her laundry. Bri says that they are constantly moving, training, and going through various things.

I told Bri some stories about my students that made her laugh because they did little things that reminded me of her and other times that they had thought of her. I told her about this cute book that my class had made for me and there was this really cute picture of her with one of the guys who really adored her. I reminded her of a funny homevideo of us when we were really little and my mom kept on trying to get her attention- Brianna would have none of that and here I stood smiling at the camera waving and saying, "hi mommy." Bri was off in the background with the wheels turning and it is clear on her face. She knew immediately which video I was talking about and starting laughing. I also played our song for her- "Ain't No Mountain High" to help lighten the tension for her. I'm sure my off key sing was something that she was laughing about in her head but was being sweet in not saying anything!

Please continue to keep Bri in your prayers. She needs them! She will be off this weekend and I'm sure resting up breathing a little bit. Anything goofy or silly that you can inform me of that I can relay to her would be greatly appreciated. I am going to be sending something to her in about a week so email or call if you have anything you would like sent her way that is memorable to both of you!

* Note to Bri-
oh do I wish I could be there to give you a hug right now. I am so sorry that it is not going well and that I can't do anything to help. I wish that I could come this weekend and see you while you are off or get you a plane ticket here even if for just a day! I'll buy some lotto tickets and see if I win the jackpot and Honey, I will buy you a ton of tickets to come and visit! Or for me to come and visit. Sorry you had to hear my awful singing tonight on the phone. I know I'm not great, you can tell me to stop any time ok! I might not because I hope that making a fool of myself will help you laugh! Stay strong. Don't let anyone get the best of you! make sure you laugh a little, if there is anything that I can give you to make you laugh, let me know! I love you tons girl. Always have and always will!

Love you,
Meggs

A Pretty Big Week...

This week was pretty crazy. A lot went down and for me it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Bri and I talked for a short while before she left for training. She had told me that the party was pretty fun. She had so many people come to visit and felt very supported. Bri told me that my grandpa had said some really sweet things to her that made her and a few other people around them start to cry. Bri checked in to Ripley on Tuesday morning at 7:30 and with the few text messages she has sent, it sounds like it has been pretty good so far. I am hoping to chat with her today to find out more and then I'll update the blog with more information.

(picture above is my friend Diane and I at graduation)

This week was pretty tough in that it all hit me that she is leaving. I have found that I have gone through the stages that people go through when they've lost a loved one. I know Brianna is still alive- but I think it is the same for people who have a loved one who is being deployed. This week entailed a lot of crying and guilt. I was sad that Bri couldn't be here yesterday to see me unofficially graduate from my program. Then I realized all the things that I missed for her and I have felt so guilty for not being there for her in her joys and pains.

On a little lighter note. I have completed my teaching program (yesterday/Friday). I am so glad to be done. I love my classrooms that I was in but am glad that the me sitting in a classroom part is over. My students and teacher were so great to me! They made this really cute advice book for me! It is hilarious! just a few examples- don't yell at your students, don't give homework and make sure you have a big eraser!

Just one more thing- I have decided to write a book (children's). I have thought about how hard it has been for me to deal with Brianna having to leave and can only imagine how hard it is for children to understand what is going on or for those who haven't even met their parent. I plan on gearing the book towards children but I think it will be fitting for many people. However, I need some input from others. So if you have someone in the military and would like to share your story and a picture, I would love that. Even if you know someone as a neighbor or someone you know is dealing with the deployment of a loved one and they don't know about this blog, if their willing to share I'll take it. I am thinking about the title and I think I'm going to call it "This is My Solider" or "Letters to My Solider" maybe i'll write two books. If you would like to share please email it to megbrilauer@gmail.com . Thanks for your help.

*Note to Bri-

Hey Girlie! I did it, can you believe it? Now you will get to come and visit my classroom! I've been missing you a ton! I hope all is going well for you right now. I can't wait to get your call and hear all about what is going on. I love you lots!

Love, Megs

P.S. thanks for listening to me vent the other day!

MY PLS with a connex!

Bri's Turn

Well I thought it would be about time I wrote on this sucka... lol... Well just had the going away parties with the families and friends, And thank you to all who showed up it meant the world to me to have your support and love during this time!!!!

My schedule for the next couple monhs is tomorrow Tuesday the 12th I report up to Camp Ripley at 7:30am to check in with my squad leader. Then we have training which is called PTAE. Exactly what we will be doing I do not know as of yet, but I do know that we will be having different quals. with our weapons this week... We stay up at Ripley til about the 10th of June, and then get a little break in there to spend time with family before we have to report up to Duluth on the 14th. I also know that we do get Memorial Weekend off... that is as of now always subject to change with the military.

But we report on the 14th of June in Duluth for the Ceremony that will be held there at the DECC in downtown Duluth for families and communities to see the send off of my company. Even the governor is there!! Exciting!!! Then on the 15th there is also a ceremony in Chisholm, which is an hour and a half away. We have 2 because we have 2 locations my company drills out of and Chisholm has been so great to the troops in my company!!!

The 17th of June we fly out of I believe to be Duluth or its MSP for Indiana where we will finish training at Camp Atterberry. We train there for 45 days, and I believe family is allowed to come after the 45 days to visit before we fly out to Kuwait. Then from Kuwait we will head into afghanistan.

Incase we didn't already know my company is a Transportation company, and we will be driving the one type of vehicle the whole time. Its called a PLS, which is a Palletized Load System, and we will be hauling supplies to different companies that we will be under from Batalion. The haul could be anything different type of supplies and ammunition. Whatever is required of us. We are the first unit to be going into Afghanistan with this type of mission so we have a lot more work for us, because we have to send our own vehicles and equipment overseas. We have around 187 soldiers going over, so if you could please pray for all of us, and every soldier that is anywhere overseas!!! We fight to make sure our country but most of all our loved ones stay safe at home!

But I think that's a good enough update for now.

MEGHAN: Well Big Sis... as you said that ride to the airport was the hardest drive I've ever had to endure!!! You have meant so much to me, and to see you become a strong person is just AMAZING! I've always believed in you even in our little spats, but thats just normal! Keep your head up eyes forward and work your a** off for those jobs, and become the best teacher out there that I know you are!! I know those kids will grow and say "Miss Lauer was my favorite teacher, and man she let us color...." Don't hold yourself back on anything! Take it one day at a time and I'll miss you in so many different ways. You'll be with me in my heart MEGHAN RACHELLE LAUER while I'm driving along in my PLS, with tires as big as Noah! I LOVE YA FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!

Bri

Feeling like a Snail...

The other day I was driving to class and traffic was horrible, of course (Welcome to California). So as I was sitting in traffic, I was reflecting on all kinds of different things (reflecting is required everyday when you go to Cal Lu.). I was thinking about how slow I was moving in traffic and felt like a snail (elementary teacher coming out in me) and realized that the next 439 days will be the snail feeling for me. I think of Brianna leaving and it will feel like forever til she comes back. I feel like each day will be so slow. I imagine being a snail and seeing the finish line and feeling overwhelmed by the distance and overwhelming feeling of how slow the time goes to get to that line. I have been telling myself for a long time to take one day at a time and live it to the fullest, but the goal is always at the back of my mind. I worry for Bri and think how it will feel even longer for her than it will for me.

I have found that I have a much deeper appreciation for snails now, interesting what sitting in traffic will make you think of.

Today Bri has a "farewell" party. I know that it will be a tough day in some degrees for her.

Me, I have six days til I am finished with my program and can start my life!

That's all to report right now...
thanks for checkin' in.
Brianna and Meghan

*Note for Bri!
Bri, I hope today went well. I can only imagine what you are feeling knowing that you need to say a ton of good byes today. I hope that you have some fun and enjoy yourself at the party. Enjoy every moment you can today!

Love you tons.
Your sis!

Saying Goodbye

Today I took Brianna to the airport. It was the hardest drive I have ever had to make. I think we both cried most of the way. I couldn't stop thinking about how I can't believe this is real. I knew that this day had to come but actually doing it was painful. How do you say goodbye to someone you love so much. I hate knowing that she is going to be somewhere and will have some extremely tough times and I CAN'T BE THERE! I know that she lives in Minnesota right now, but we can at least call each other and talk. Knowing that our communication will be limited will be even worse. Brianna and I don't see each other often already but this makes it worse.

I also realized that I am envious of all those in MN who get to see Bri and spend time with her, her last precious days here in the states before she goes. I wish that I could be there and see her off. This is the one thing I don't like about living so far away. I wish that we had more time.

Please keep us in your prayers- prayers to help me get through this tough time and find peace. Pray for Brianna to be at peace and for her last days in before training.

*Note for Bri!
Bri, I am so glad you came. I had a great time with you and wish we could've had more. You are my best friend and I am so proud of you. I wish I could be there to see you off and to give you all the hugs you need, especially now! Please be safe and know that I always love you! You will constantly be on my mind and in my heart. I love you tons!!

Megs

Spending Time With Bri!!!

Here are some photos of the weekend...

Yeah! Brianna finally got here (well, not today but Thursday night)! On Friday Bri came to my classroom to meet my students. They absolutely love her. She explained what she does in the military, drew little pictures, she showed how big tires on her truck are she used a student to show that the tires are bigger than him (she said, those suckers are big- my mouth dropped!). Bri was such a great sport she took a math timed test (all the facts) and only got one wrong, Bri- 7 times 5 is 35 not 32!! She took a spelling test with the kids and did a great job. She got to come up in front of half of the school and help present awards to my students. At the end of the day she even had kids doing push ups and was helping them correct their push up stances.

At the end of the day we found out that some of the boys really, really liked Brianna. One gentleman would write his spelling word then immediately look at Bri and stare. Another one tried to impress her with his push ups and his "work out" routine. Then another gentleman, who is so shy and hardly says two words would not stop talking and smiling at her. It was such a funny day!

Saturday we spent the day with the babies I live with. Chase absolutely loved Brianna. He is usually hesitant about new people but fell in love with her. He would choose her over me and napped on her twice. It was so cute!! After watching the babies we went to the Dodger game! Dodgers won in the tenth inning.

Today we went to Disneyland and California Adventure Park. Bri and I decided that we liked Disneyworld better, but still had some fun.