September 19th - Hardest Good Bye I Have Ever Had

I have deployed several times throughout my Naval career. They were relatively easy. I just grabbed my C-Bag and shuffled through the door. This is my first deployment as a family man (with the exception of a 2 month detail following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans).  The weeks leading up to my deployment few by. I attempted to keep thoughts of my pending deployment out of my mind as long as I could. I am so lucky to have such an amazing wife and children. It is impossible to describe how hard is was to hold my wife and kids at the airport. I didn't want to let go. It was such an emotional situation. I rarely ever cry, but I fell apart. I am going to miss many milestones in my children's lives. I am going to miss stroking my wife's incredibly well maintained hair at night. In an instant I pictured Zoe learning to talk clearly, Lily learing math and reading at an amazing level, my wife's transition into an athlete. I think of my ladies every night and I am counting down the days when I can hold them again. Please let this deployment fly by.

Lily giving me my pre-deployment haircut. 

      

Showing the girls where I am going to be lving for the next eight months. This was harder then it seems.

Smile for Mommie!