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September 2, 2010
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A different kind of Father’s Day
Published June 21, 2009
WALTON COUNTY — When Josh Rabine’s first child was born, he was in absentia.
In the military at the time, Rabine wasn’t there for the birth of Roam, now 7, and missed many of a child’s milestones most parents usually have the opportunity to enjoy.
Rabine and his wife, Crystal, wanted to know as soon as possible the sex of this their third child. As any father would be who has two girls, Rabine had his fingers crossed it would be a boy – someone to carry on the family name – and was elated when the news came his hopes reigned true. On Tuesday, an early Father’s Day gift arrived with the birth of Liam Zachary Rabine.
“This was a really nice Father’s Day gift,” Rabine said. “It should be a little easier to remember his birthday.”
Liam was supposed to be born days earlier on the couple’s anniversary. But the newborn decided to wait a few days until it was closer to Father’s Day.
Rabine is looking forward to being around a lot more. Now in retail sales, the Monroe resident is seven years wiser, calmer now that he is in his 30s, and will be counting on a little help from his two daughters in raising the newest member of the Rabine clan.
Enlisting in the military is a decision that is not arrived at without deep contemplation. But for those who bravely serve their country, at home is an even prouder family who adapt to a life where a father misses Father’s Day and other holidays or momentous occasions.
Children often start making Father’s Day cards weeks ahead of time with hopes of getting them sent in time for their father to receive them. Food items are collected, as are other things to remind a soldier of the comforts of home — all packed together with love and sent thousands of miles away.
Walton County resident Crystal Olcott has been without her husband for the past eight months, a member of the National Guard who is stationed in Iraq. Terry Lee Olcott has missed birthdays, Easter and, of course, Father’s Day.
“We can’t really call because he doesn’t get any service out there,” Olcott said. “But we e-mail back and forth and we just sent him a care package.”
The mother of three said it is difficult sometimes without her husband around, hitting Jaden, 6, and Angel, 2, the hardest. In his father’s absence, Tim, 14, has chipped in a lot around the house and helped his mother as much as possible. With the hopeful return of their father in October, the family plans to make up all of the missed holidays and celebrations then.
“We just make it up when he gets back,” Olcott said. “My husband believes strongly in what he is doing. And we support him all the way.”
When Terry Lee Olcott and the thousands of other soldiers return home, every day will be Father’s Day.
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