The current state of the nation, and a 'Family Care Plan'
As I sit watching the news each day, I keep wondering - will I get the call?
My brother and his wife are both in the U.S. Army Reserve. She is a Major and he is an NCO. They have an 18 month old son, who I adore and she is due in Dec with the second child. She is currently activated, but fortunately due to her pregnancy is stationed across town and comes home each night. She occasionally has to travel for 2-3 days on military business, but for the most part remains in the city. My brother has to travel a few times a year, but usually just has to drill twice a month. He is an instructor for the Army who may soon be teaching ROTC at a local university - provided the government doesn't decide otherwise.
I just recently moved out of thier house. I served as nanny and babysitter for my nephew as they needed, allowing my brother to work his evening job without having to wait for his wife to get home (which is as late as 9pm some nights). During the year I spent with them, I also traveled to Georgia for two one-month trips. My sister, whose husband is active Army and in an 'elite' unit, was called away from home numerous times for months on end. My sister was pregnant at the time and has my other nephew who is 3. I was the only family member able to drop what I was doing and go down to help her out, especially since they usually don't give much of an advanced notice before he has to go. She was unbelievably stresed since she had a 3 year old, was pregnant with the second child, and had to find them a house by herself (which she did, I am proud to say - a new construction home, even!). I hope that doesn't sound too patronizing, I will always see her as my little sister. Needless to say I gained some weight on the last trip, since I had to partake in her cravings for BigMac's and homemade Rolo milkshakes! (not that I'm complaining! lol).
Now for the wonderful facts - Since my sister-in-law is pregnant, she is obviously non-deployable. At least until 6 WEEKS after she delivers. Wow! Six whole weeks to spend with your newborn child. If that happens, or based on the current situation of officer shortages in her deployed companies, WHEN it happens, I will probably have to move back in with my brother, who may be deployed by then considering they have started calling back retirees. A year ago, they approached me and asked if I would be willing and able to take care of thier child(ren) should both of them get deployed, which I always assumed was not possible (based on stories of 'last surviving sons', etc - Surely both parents cannot be deployed! WRONG!) That's where the 'Family Care Plan' comes into play. I had to sign a notarized document in a military lawyers' office stating that I would accept responsibility for the children in that very situation. I was the only option. I knew they were reluctant to choose me, but they had no choice, which is primarily why I accepted. I pray that does not happen, and if it does, I hope my family will support and assist me. I am not a parent; I am not married; I learned through caring for children that I could not do it 24/7/365. It has increased my respect and admiration for parents, especially mine, since I know I was a hellian! But given thier situation, I felt obligated. Fortunately, most of my family lives in this state - actually in this city - not immediate family, but we are a close enough extended family that I know who I could trust helping me care for children. The question is, can and will they add it to thier plate?
At this point, I can only hope that day does not come, but if it does, I will rise to the occasion and find a therapist! lol My sister-in-law is comfortable with me caring for her kids since I used to be a paramedic, but it still scares the hell out of me!
If it happens, I will probably need another blog here to keep everyone updated, and to help maintain my sanity. 
