02
May
2012

2 Years Down, 2 Weeks To Go!

categories: Memoir

Wow. I can’t believe it’s been almost 2 years since I last saw my husband.

It’s difficult to think about how much time we’ve spent apart, and how drastically our lives have changed since we saw each other last.

I honestly wasn’t expecting to be away from him this long after only spending a few months with him initially when we got married. But sometimes things happen that you don’t necessarily have control over.

So, What Happened?

I flew out to Yemen with my parents for my wedding in June 2010, after I graduated high school. I only got spent about 2 months with my husband and his family, because I was to return to the states (late-August) to start my first year of college. Because my husband is not an American Citizen, and doesn’t have a US Visa, he couldn’t return with me.

Our plan was that I would go back to America to start my first year of college, apply for his Visa, and then return to visit him in December 2010, during my Winter Break from school. Sounds easy, right?

Well, two days after I returned home I found out that I was pregnant. It was definitely something that I was not expecting because we were actually trying to prevent it from happening. But, like I said before, sometimes you just don’t have control over these things.

Due to my pregnancy and our financial situation at the time, I was unable to visit him for Winter Break. I was pretty devastated, because I was looking forward to seeing him, even for a little while. We both agreed that we would just wait it out until after I had the baby, and hoped that by that time his Visa would be in.

Fast-Forward to the Summer of 2011

With still no word about his Visa, Omar decided that he would fly me out to visit him during the summer of 2011. I ended up giving birth to Zach on May 12th and had no intentions of going overseas just yet because Zach was only a month old.

Around the same time, there was an uprising in Yemen that left it dangerous and unstable. Omar and his family decided that it would be best if I waited until things calmed down for me to visit them, and I agreed. There was no way I was going to go overseas during the time of the revolutions in the Middle East.

Another Year Went By…

I spent the next year attending school part-time, emailing and calling about the status of Omar’s Visa, and taking care of Zach. I figured that I needed to keep myself busy to help pass the time before I would be able to see Omar again. Taking care of Zach, attending college, and starting a blog has definitely kept me plenty busy, so I feel like time has passed by so fast.

While we both struggled from being away from each other for so long, I think he had more of a difficult time. Because of the situation in Yemen, Omar didn’t have the same options I did so he had a lot of free-time on his hands these past 2 years. He also didn’t get to experience the initial excitement of being a parent- like being there during my pregnancy, witnessing the miracle of giving birth to our baby, and watching Zach grow during his first year of his life.

2 Years Down, 2 Weeks To Go

Being separated for so long definitely took its toll on our relationship, especially since this separation occurred during the early stages. I can only hope that this minor set back will allow us to have an even stronger relationship and finally grow together as a family in the future.

In 2 weeks, I finally get to see Omar again and I couldn’t be more excited. Although I will only be visiting for 3 months, that’s more than enough time for us to rekindle our love for each other and reconnect. What I’m most excited about is that he is finally going to get the chance to meet Zach! I can’t wait to see the type of relationship he’s going to create with him.

It’s been such a difficult journey, but nobody said it would be easy.
2 more weeks, my love.

70 Comments on 2 Years Down, 2 Weeks To Go!

  1. June
    May 2, 2012 at 4:25 am (387 days ago)

    Wow! What a post. I hope that your husband gets to come to the US soon, that way your family can be together. The coming visit should be exciting for you, and I hope that it goes great. It is sad that your husband missed the pregnancy and more than the first year of your son’s life.

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:05 pm (385 days ago)

      Thank you, June. It is heartbreaking that he had to miss out on so much, so I’m hoping that he can come to the US soon so we be together like a family should be. Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
  2. Jenilee
    May 2, 2012 at 12:58 pm (386 days ago)

    WOW! What a story! I couldn’t imagine being away from my husband for two years! How do you stay in touch? Do you use skype or anything to help? I just can’t imagine your situation! Good luck with the visit, I hope it is wonderful for you all!

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:03 pm (385 days ago)

      Hi Jenilee,
      The only way we were able to keep in touch was through phone calls. With the revolution, it became more difficult to talk on the phone because of the connection. We recently were able to Skype a few times in March though.
      Thank you so much!

      Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:05 pm (385 days ago)

      Thanks, Sonya!

      Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:05 pm (385 days ago)

      Thanks, Kristin! I will (:

      Reply
  5. Brett
    May 2, 2012 at 1:11 pm (386 days ago)

    i can’t wait to hear how it goes!! what an amazing story :o)

    Reply
  7. Sharon L.
    May 2, 2012 at 2:30 pm (386 days ago)

    I can’t imagine being away from my husband for 2 weeks, two years must be torture! I wish you nothing but happiness and love in your reunion with your husband :)
    Sharon L. recently posted..Baby K’s NurseryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:07 pm (385 days ago)

      Thanks, Sharon! It definitely has been difficult.

      Reply
  9. Mary L.
    May 2, 2012 at 5:17 pm (386 days ago)

    So glad you’re going to finally see him! Hope you spend time with him with absolute happiness!

    Reply
  10. Chelsea @ Someday I'll Learn
    May 2, 2012 at 7:16 pm (386 days ago)

    Oh my gosh, what an incredibly difficult journey for the two of you. I’m so glad you get to see him soon! And that he’ll finally get to see his baby!
    Chelsea @ Someday I’ll Learn recently posted..Mini Cheese BallsMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Vallon Evans
    May 2, 2012 at 8:24 pm (386 days ago)

    Oh wow, that’s insane! I couldn’t imagine being without my husband (if I had one) for so long AND giving birth without him being there. What a struggle! That’s amazing that you pulled through and you finally get to see him! I hope your relationship is stronger than ever. And Zach is such a precious name :)

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:07 pm (385 days ago)

      Thank you so much, Vallon!

      Reply
  12. Alicia Keen
    May 2, 2012 at 8:28 pm (386 days ago)

    wowzers!!! you are strong!!

    Reply
  14. Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack
    May 2, 2012 at 11:12 pm (386 days ago)

    WOW! I can only imagine how hard it must be. Beyond words I would think. I hope these 2 weeks go fast for you and that the 3 months go very slowly.
    Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack recently posted..Facebook Funny 5-2-12My Profile

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:08 pm (385 days ago)

      Thanks, Debi! I hope the 3 months go by very slowly, too. I can’t wait to be there!

      Reply
  16. Amanda Alvarado
    May 3, 2012 at 12:27 am (386 days ago)

    I got chills reading this! You are a strong woman! This will definitely make your relationship stronger! You better take lots of pics when he finally gets to meet his son! BTW any word on his visa? I didn’t realize it took this long especially when your spouse was already here!

    Reply
  17. DAMIAN JARREAU
    May 3, 2012 at 12:48 am (386 days ago)

    Best of luck to you

    Reply
  18. joannie sparks
    May 3, 2012 at 4:28 am (386 days ago)

    Hi i am Happy for you. The beginning of your marriage sounds like mine except mine when to war and i didn’t see him for 18months, I know how the lonely days can hurt but thank God you had your son to keep you busy cauae school will only go so far. I hope you have a great Family reunion. Bless all of you. Joannie

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 3, 2012 at 3:10 pm (385 days ago)

      Thank you Joannie. It is so hard to be away from him for so long. And you’re right, school can only keep you busy for so long. I’m glad I was able to have my son with me through this process. Thank you!

      Reply
  19. Nadeen
    May 3, 2012 at 2:05 pm (385 days ago)

    Hi Princess :)
    I was randomly on Facebook going through my News Feed and saw a link to this story so i read it and got goosebumps! I’m so happy that you get to go back to Yemen to see your hubby! <3 looooooooove & miss you!

    Reply
  20. chelesa sims
    May 3, 2012 at 6:24 pm (385 days ago)

    Hi
    I hope Omar gets his visa.Why are they doing this?It just seems unfair. As another reader wrote that you are a strong woman,I have to agree.It would be difficult for me to not have my husband with me .

    Reply
  21. Trasina McGahey
    May 4, 2012 at 6:27 pm (384 days ago)

    How very sad that he hasn’t been able to be with you and your child! I hope you have a great visit and are able to live together soon!

    Reply
  22. Amy Brewer
    May 5, 2012 at 4:21 am (384 days ago)

    You have to have a strong commitment to stay together after so long and I so admire that. I know he must be thrilled to see you and his child..

    Reply
  23. Wendy T
    May 5, 2012 at 2:24 pm (383 days ago)

    I am very happy that you will soon be together again…even if not forever at this point. It must be very, very tough to keep plugging along and keeping it all together. I commend you for doing so.

    I also live in Michigan. I’m in Macomb County.

    Safe travels and joyous reunions!

    Reply
  24. Jessica Gratz
    May 5, 2012 at 5:22 pm (383 days ago)

    I am happy for you guys. That is an amazing story and your so strong to have been separated from him for so long.

    Reply
  25. Rebecca Parsons
    May 6, 2012 at 2:06 am (383 days ago)

    I can’t imagine enduring the separation for so long. I do hope that you two will be together soon.

    Reply
  26. Nicole Carter
    May 6, 2012 at 3:45 pm (382 days ago)

    Oh wow, the best of luck to you!

    Reply
  27. ANN*
    May 6, 2012 at 4:23 pm (382 days ago)

    Thanks for the great story. It had to have been hard but well worth it. So happy for yous and congrats on the little one . They may be unexpected sometime but still always a blessing to us.

    Reply
  28. Gladys Parker
    May 6, 2012 at 9:13 pm (382 days ago)

    Wow, that sounds devastating! You must be a very strong woman. I hope you take us on this journey with you. It must be exciting knowing there is only 2 weeks after all this time. I don’t understand why a visa takes so long. It will probably take a bit for your son to get close to his father but how exciting it will be. Best Wishes Aly I hope everything goes super for you.
    Gladys P

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 7, 2012 at 8:06 pm (381 days ago)

      There is less than a week left until I get to see him and until he gets to finally meet Zach! I don’t understand why it takes so long either. But we’re just waiting at this point. Thanks so much for your kind words (:

      Reply
  29. Leslie Galloway
    May 7, 2012 at 3:28 pm (381 days ago)

    Wow… I get sad when my husband is away for 3 or 4 days. I can’t imagine how you’ve both felt… especially him missing out on Zach’s first year. Congrats on the three month visit! :)

    Reply
  30. Jennifer Hiles
    May 7, 2012 at 4:21 pm (381 days ago)

    wow that is quite a story, I’m so glad you get to see him soon! It must be hard to sleep at night just thinking about it. Good luck. I hope your reunion is all that you imagine it to be.

    Reply
  32. Sylvia Ortiz
    May 7, 2012 at 4:45 pm (381 days ago)

    As they say, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” and more appreciative. :)

    Reply
    • Aly
      October 7, 2012 at 9:40 am (228 days ago)

      Definitely!

      Reply
  33. Carrie M
    May 7, 2012 at 5:28 pm (381 days ago)

    Wow, I could not imagine going 2 years with out seeing my husband. I wish you both the best.
    Carrie M recently posted..SpiritHoods Kids ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  34. Andrea Anderson
    May 7, 2012 at 5:32 pm (381 days ago)

    O wow! That’s a very long time to be separated from one another. I’m glad that you and your husband have still managed to keep it together and I really hope his Visa eventually goes through so that you all can be together full time. I know your hubby’s going to be so excited to see his son :) I truly wish you and your family all the best :)

    Reply
    • Aly
      May 7, 2012 at 8:07 pm (381 days ago)

      Thanks so much, Andrea. I really appreciate it (: I can’t wait until we can all be a family together soon.

      Reply
  35. Stefanie Gladden
    May 7, 2012 at 5:38 pm (381 days ago)

    You are such a strong person to be able to go through all of this!! Best of luck to the both of you!
    Stefanie Gladden recently posted..Birthday Giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
  36. rebeka deleon
    May 7, 2012 at 9:27 pm (381 days ago)

    I would not be able to handle that. my husband leaves every week for work and talking about working in georgia while i stay here with my 2 kids and i can’t even imagine that! i get so lonely!

    Reply
  37. Alisha L.
    May 8, 2012 at 12:37 am (381 days ago)

    I can’t even imagine how that must feel! So close, I hope this last little bit of time flies by for you. Have fun on your trip!

    Reply
  38. Not a Perfect Mom
    May 8, 2012 at 1:51 pm (380 days ago)

    wow…
    and to think I get cranky when my hubs is a few minutes late…
    I couldn’t imagine being pregnant and raising our child(ren) without him…
    I hope Zach is able to form a bond with him and that he will get to come to the US soon
    Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..An Extra BulgeMy Profile

    Reply
  39. debbi
    May 8, 2012 at 11:05 pm (380 days ago)

    What an incredible two years this has been for you, I’m sure. I am sorry that your marriage has gotten off to such a difficult start, but I hope that you will share many happy years together beginning in two weeks! It will probably take time, but all good things take effort, right? Best of luck to you!

    Reply
  41. Keisa Rogers
    May 9, 2012 at 9:19 am (379 days ago)

    Wow this gave me chills…I could not imagine what you are going through.. You are a very strong woman!Prayers are with you and your family…I wish nothing but the best for you!

    Reply
  42. jodi lasher
    May 10, 2012 at 11:51 pm (378 days ago)

    So sad.. I could not imagine having to go through that.. Wish you the best of luck..

    Reply
  43. Sara Wood
    May 11, 2012 at 10:42 pm (377 days ago)

    I don’t know how you can go so long with out your husband. You guys must have a really strong relationship. I hope reuniting with your husband is an amazing experience.

    Reply
  44. Jill H
    May 11, 2012 at 11:54 pm (377 days ago)

    Wow…what an amazing story. I hope you have an amazing trip and that your husband and son create some amazing memories as your family is reunited.

    Reply
  45. Stephanie H
    May 13, 2012 at 11:23 pm (375 days ago)

    I wish you the best of luck with the visa for him so eventually you can live together instead of just visit for a few months every 2 years. I have to say you are on strong woman I do not think I could do what you have .

    Reply
  46. Casey Lloyd
    May 14, 2012 at 1:52 pm (374 days ago)

    Wow you are amazing…I complain when my husband goes away for a week. Good Luck and be safe!

    Reply
  47. Marti Parks
    May 14, 2012 at 8:34 pm (374 days ago)

    I know exactly how you feel. My love lives in another country and I haven’t seen him in one year and 3 months, except for video calls. Hang in there and I wish you the best of luck. :)

    Reply
  48. Sarah B.
    May 14, 2012 at 11:24 pm (374 days ago)

    I hope he is able to get his Visa really soon! Enjoy your 3 months together!

    Reply
  49. Erin Rok
    May 15, 2012 at 3:42 pm (373 days ago)

    What a touching story. You are incredibly brave! I am happy that you can finally spend some time with your husband together as a “family” that is so important.

    Reply
  50. Amanda
    May 15, 2012 at 8:46 pm (373 days ago)

    Wow, that brought tears to my eyes! So glad your family will be reunited very soon and have a wonderful trip!

    Reply
  51. wendy
    May 15, 2012 at 9:40 pm (373 days ago)

    wow hope he can come to us soon

    Reply
  52. Monja Blue
    May 15, 2012 at 9:50 pm (373 days ago)

    What a joyous reunion you’ll have. Blessings to you & Omar!

    Reply
  53. Momof Magnus
    May 17, 2012 at 6:51 am (371 days ago)

    Good luck to you; I admire your strength.

    Reply
  54. Paul T / Pauline T
    May 17, 2012 at 11:10 am (371 days ago)

    I can not imagined being that far away from my hubby. This is truly a testament to the strength of your relationship. Have a great summer!

    Reply
  55. Michelle Tucker
    May 17, 2012 at 11:26 am (371 days ago)

    I can’t imagine what you must be going through. The idea of being away from my husband for even a day makes me feel nervous. I hope that the time you will get to spend with each other soon will help build that bond again. Happy travels!
    Michelle

    Reply
  56. Roxann
    May 17, 2012 at 2:17 pm (371 days ago)

    I can’t even image what you are going through. Enjoy your visit and hopefully you two will both get to be together for ever very soon.

    Reply
  57. Amanda Tempel
    May 17, 2012 at 7:18 pm (371 days ago)

    Wow! I am so happy for you – I hope you have an amazing time in Yemen! And I hope his Visa will finally come through!

    Reply
  58. Kat Riley
    May 17, 2012 at 9:30 pm (371 days ago)

    Wow, what a married life you have lead so far. Have faith and hope though. Our son met his wife while on leave 2 days before he went back to his base across the country. He then left 6 weeks later for a 6 month deployment. He came back and she visited him once on base and he was home twice during 8 months before they got married. She finally moved on base with him in January and they are doing great! I hope the same for you and your husband and your son.

    Reply
  59. Dawn Reid
    May 17, 2012 at 11:47 pm (371 days ago)

    I don’t know how you have done it for so long
    mightynaynay(at)cs.com

    Reply

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