Hi Rock!

It’s that time again. We are making piles called “going” and “staying.” The duffel bags are packed and waiting by the door. Once again we are exchanging last-minute instructions on what to do in case of the many things that always seem to go wrong the minute you walk out that door. Yes, my love, it is another long separation.

I have been thinking back on the other deployments, trying to decide if one was easier than another. I have decided that none of them were easy. I don’t think this one will be. Yes, I learned to make sure I have copies of orders, your driver’s license and a current power of attorney. I even have postal custom slips mastered. I have become a pro at all this stuff.

I just can’t figure out how not to miss you every day, all day. Nothing can prepare me for not missing you. Life goes on here without you, but it’s not the same. If I can figure out how to make all this easier, I can finally say we had an easy deployment.

For now, I’ll keep the video camera rolling so you won’t miss all the milestones I know you’ll want to see. Don’t worry, I’ll make all the reservations for our usual welcome-home getaway. Just don’t sleep the whole time!

As I say every night whether you are with me or not, “Good night, Rock. I love you.”

Lots of Love,
Dart