Demotion and Deployment

Scott arrived on base to report for duty.

Just as he had feared, his C.O. called him to his office.

The look on the officers face was a clear indication of the frustration of his position.

He had a job to do; yet he regretted having to make such a decision.

Scott, there are just some things that can not be tolerated and are not acceptable. You hold a high ranking position and with that comes responsibility. Both military and personal. You have to see to it that all areas of your life are in order. Clearly, you family life is lacking. I am not certain what is taking place, however, you were warned with the last incident that this was not acceptable. As such, you are being placed on notice that you will be demoted if this ever happens again.

Scott understood the severity of the reprimand.

Sir, I understand. I want to let you know that I am doing everything possible to find a solution. I assure you, this will not happen again.

Later that day Scott was notified that his deployment would be taking place and that he had 10 days to get his personal life in order. Scott would be deployed for a six month tour.

The thought of being away from Andy made Scott's heart sink. Amy's behavior was so uncertain. Up until now, Scott was home each day. He was in close range of handling any situation and although he worried daily about Amy with respect to Andy, at least he was home.
If Amy showed signs of instability, he could step in. This would soon change. He would be far away with little contact. Scott felt helpless. Talking with Amy just produced chaos. Talking with Amy's doctors was not an option as HIPPA laws prevented this. Although Amy's behavior was eratic, she had never caused harm to Andy. This prevented Scott from seeking any outside help to intervine. Scott was in a catch 22 situation.

Terri was waiting for Scott when he arrived home that evening. Terri had arrived earlier in the day and Amy was not at all happy with her arrival. Terri tried to diffuse Amy's displeasure by indicating that she came in to offer help and moral support to Amy. Terri indicated that with Scott's upcoming deployment she felt that Amy would be lonesome and needing occasional breaks from Andy. That seemed to satisfy Amy for the moment. Terri indicated to Amy that she would happily watch Andy and suggested that Amy take the afternoon to enjoy a little time away from the house. Amy happily took Terri up on her offer and packed a bag to spend the day at the beach.

When Scott walked in the door Terri was surprised at how gaunt Scott was looking. Clearly the stress was not only taking an emotional drain on Scott; but also a physical one. Terri indicated that she was concerned but Scott assured her that he would be fine.

I just need to know that Andy will be alright while I'm away, Mom.

Terri assured Scott that Andy would be fine. Terri and Bruce had already discussed that either Terri would stay with Amy while Scott was gone or they would offer their lake cottage to Amy and bring her and Andy home while Scott was away.

That night at dinner, Terri asked Amy if she would like to spend time at the lake cottage. To everyones surprise, Amy tought it would be a great idea.

I'll be able to visit with my family and it will be nice to relax at the lake house with Andy. Amy also added that it would be nice for Andy to have some extra time with his grandparents. Terri agreed.

Over the next week, Terri helped Scott ready himself for his deployment and helped Amy pack for the trip back home. Everything went surprisingly calm. They waved Scott off and wished him well. Later that day, Terri, Amy and Andy packed up Scott's van and ventured off on the long drive back home. Terri held her breath and prayed that the ride home would be a pleasant, uneventful trip. It was a prayer that went unanswered....

-S.Spade