It's a crazy thing actually, trying to deal with all of the emotions that come with deployment. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, pride, love, sadness, happiness, confusion, excitement, loyalty, honor, stress... did I already mention that? The list really could go on and on and on.
We are a couple weeks into the "pre-mob" phase of deployment. While I have an empty bed at night and we only have three place settings at the dinner table, I am not sure it's totally hit me yet. I still get to talk to my soldier everyday and even got to see his face on Skype. So right now I'm not feeling too bad.
On the day he left, the emotions were definitely on overdrive. Nothing can prepare you for that. Arriving on base seeing six Blackhawk helicopters lined up, families standing around, Soldiers loading their gear... The air was thick and you could feel the tension mixed with excitement.
I was definitely overwhelmed with the magnitude of this day!!!
With our "goodbye" hugs given and tears in our eyes, we watched from afar as they readied the birds for flight. I stood there feeling so close, yet so far. I was fighting the urge to run back and get one more hug, one more kiss, as I'm sure every other wife, family member and child also were. Once every one was loaded up and checked off they "paraded" down the runway. I have experienced my share of "goodbyes" over the past few years, but this one takes the cake. The Soldiers waving, searching for their families. Tears were flowing on almost every face around me. The crew chief in my Soldier's helicopter had a bit of a sense of humor, which I didn't see until I uploaded the pictures. My eyes were a bit blurry at the time.
Parker said, "That's kind of funny and kind of scary!" and I have to say I agree!
Watching these six incredible machines, filled with our most precious cargo, depart in unison was something unforgettable. They hovered and then took off, circled around the mountain, and came back for a final flyover. They were "waved off" by the Patriot Guard which was so awesome. There was a bit of a breeze so their flags waved strongly as they stood by their bikes, waving farewell to our Soldiers.
The night before my Soldier kept saying "I'm in the last helicopter, just remember that." He had a mischievous smile but offered no more to the story. So you can imagine my horror when only five of the helicopters flew back over. I counted, then counted again and then one more time. Yep only five! I was feeling pretty apprehensive... And then there was a loud, really loud, noise coming from behind the hanger. As I looked behind me, sure enough, helicopter number six was coming over the top flying quickly RIGHT OVER US! I had to laugh, because those of you who know my Soldier, and the adrenaline junkie he is, this was right up his alley. Call it a little "show boating" for the fans!
I sort of wish he would have told me so I could video all of it, but I did at least get a few more pictures of them before they joined the others.
This begins the journey of our first deployment. I'm sure it will be full of emotional highs and lows, but the pride and love that fill my heart will continue to grow stronger and stronger everyday.
I do love this man SOOOO much!!
