Dee is on his way

Well, We were truly blessed to have Dee home for a total of 11 days before he had to return. We didn't do anything "special" but to me, just being together is special. We went out to eat at his favorite restaurants so he could get his "fix" before being without for a year. This past week has been Music camp and I am a Co-director of the play portion and help out as much as possible. Dee was more than happy to come and help out and just be by my side. We worked every day together and both enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the performance is Sunday night and he will miss it. (tonight)

I think Music Camp kept my mind focused on other things most of the day on Friday. But once we left the church around 3 pm, I just couldn't deny it any more. He was leaving in a few hours. I broke down and cried all the way to my parent's house. I was trying to hide it from the girls but just started sobbing and couldn't. We made it to my folks to say goodbye and pick up a goody bag. I broked down again hugging them! Geez! Is there no end? Then we got home and quickly packed up his one backpack he was able to take back. We headed to Milano's, Dee's favorite restaurant, to meet him Mom and nephew for an early dinner. While waiting, I gave Dee a huge bear hug and just started sobbing again. MAN! The waitress asked if he was just returning from war (he was in uniform). I said he was just leaving tonight and lost it again.
But, once in the car, we talked to his mom most of the way and I was able to compose myself. I even put on some makeup and tried to look presentable! We got to the airport and after jumping through some hoops, we are all able to get a security pass to go to the gate with Dee. But of course, we arrived at the gate and then they changed the gate, to another one on another concourse. So most of our visit time was spent walking around the airport. We literally just had minutes to visit before he loaded up the plane. His Mom and I really started crying and I just couldn't stop hugging Dee. I didn't want to let go. Dee teared up a little and the girls looked so dejected with tears in their eyes. He gave them two big hugs and was on the plane. The girls watched and waited for the plane to taxi as they waved their American flags. Some sweet lady, saw the tears and brought me some napkins. It was a sweet gesture. After a while, I was able to dry up my tears and we headed back to the car. I'm glad Dee's mom was with us. I know it would have been difficult by myself coming home. We talked and shared memories. We then took the kids to Steak and Shake for a milkshake. We wanted this time to be a good memory or at least something good about it. I finally got something to eat. Wasn't very hungry at Milano's!

We finally got home around 11 pm and I was totally exhausted: mentally, physically and emotionally. I thought I'd have a difficult time sleeping but the exhaustion kicked in and I was out!

Dee emailed me from the Indianapolis airport and said he was safely there and sitting in the USO lounge, waiting for the Army van to pick them up at midnight! So he just sent me an email to let me know he arrived.

I talked to him via Facebook tonight and he said he got to nap a lot today. So that's good. Tomorrow, he will work on packing. We don't know his exact schedule yet, and even if we did, I couldn't share it with you. But he leaves in a few days to head over "the pond", as they call it. At that point, I don't know when he'll be able to get in touch. It may be a week before I hear from him.

The most difficult part of today was not being able to pick up the phone to call him or text him. He left his cellphone at home because the cost is so high to use it over there. The cost is 3.99 a minute and .50 cents per text. So he has set up a Skype phone number so hopefully he'll be able to use that soon.

I feel like the next two weeks will be the toughest. Not knowing what is going on, worrying about IED's and his safe arrival into the fenced Camp area, etc. Once he's in the fence, I'll feel much better. I hope he'll be able to stay put, once he's there. Who knows!?

Thank you all for your prayers and support. I sure can feel them and I'm so thankful to have a praying family and praying church family and friends. God will see all of us through and will surround Dee with His Angels!