Waving Goodbye

Today we had to stand on a pier and wave goodbye to Gideon's ship.  There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that your husband, the father of your children, your best friend, your confidant is leaving for many months.  You don't know when you will see him next or even when you will talk to him next. 

Military families really are a different breed of people.  It is hard to explain our lifestyles to civilians.  How can you describe how hard it is to say goodbye, while being indescribably proud of everything your military member does and stands for?  And how do you make your children understand that Daddy is going away on a "really long trip" but that he loves them and will be thinking about them, that he will be home as soon as he can and will call as often as he can? 

Today was the beginning of a new adventure.  As we stood on the pier saying, "see you soon," "stay safe," "we'll be okay," "call when you can," and "I love you," I couldn't help but be scared, proud, excited, and anxious. 

We will make it through this like we have everything else, and in the end we will all come out of it stronger.  We love you Daddy.  We are so proud of you.  Stay safe.

Love my sillies

Coloring books to keep the kids busy as we waited for the ship to leave

The sailors manning the rails.  Gideon was on the far side.

Military kids are unbelievably strong

Fair Winds and Following Seas USS Halsey