Sad Farewells...

No....I'm not leaving BP.net.

....but other than saying that....it's hard to know where to begin. :(

As most of you know, my hubby is an officer in the Air Force. And some of you know he is supposed to deploy this fall/winter for a six month stint in Afghanistan. We knew we only had until the end of this month to be together...but at least we knew. There were a few weeks left...still time to get stuff done...still time to be together. Time for my birthday and our 17th wedding anniversary, which both happen later this month.

But the bureaucratic machine that is the military decided Dean has "more important" things to be doing, and they called him out early...with less than 36 hours notice. Yesterday was pretty much spent in tears for me, when I got the news...and the evening taken up with huge bags of military gear being sorted and packed for a trip that will now be seven months instead of six.

Early this morning, before the sun was even up...we were all kissing him goodbye. We'll see him again sometime in mid-April of '08.

I love this man more than words can say; the respect I have for him knows no bounds. And I'm SO proud of him it feels like my heart will burst sometimes. I know the Lord has His reasons and purpose for all of this. I trust Him in that, and I trust Him to take care of us and keep us strong while Dean is away. But oh, sweet Lord....I was not ready for this, yet. :rainon:

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Petra wearing his flak-jacket and helmet. This vest alone weighs about 30-40 pounds! :O
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...Petra-flak.jpg

Dean and the kids yesterday evening...
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x.../Dean-kids.jpg

And because it's SO impossible to catch a real smile from Dean when he is posing for pics...here's a few from our Labor Day weekend up in Dallas with his family. The room was full of cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandma and Grandpa...all of us having a huge battle with soft-sided blocks and balls.

Here's Dean hording ammo....
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x.../Dean-ammo.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...007/Dean-2.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...007/Dean-1.jpg

I love his smile and his laugh.....

I'm sorry Judy. I can't even fathom how hard that must be for you. My wife and I talked about me signing up, because of how much it would help us financially (pay, housing, paying for college) but in the end although she decided that It had to be my decision, with my first child about to be born, and everything else that's going on, I just couldn't bring myself to leave. I respect your husband so much for what he's doing and I'm sure god will take care of him and your family.

Your family will be in our thoughts.

Oh, Judy...I'm so sorry :( It can't be easy having to go through regularly-scheduled deployments, never mind deployments that happen on a moment's notice. :hug: Just want you to know that I'll be thinking about you and your family--it's a lovely family, too.

JLC,

Thank you so very much for sharing your husband with US. He and all the other troops who defend what is right are making the real sacrifice. I hope and pray that his guardian angel will always be there hovering to protect. May the days between now and April fly by quickly without any harmful events. And may God be with your family as he is with Dean now.

Jude, you and I have talked privately but I'm going to remind you publically that you have my phone number and you better not think you're ever a "bother" to phone hon, day or night. Mike and I send our love to you, Dean and the kids. Our deepest respect to the service Dean performs for this country and the strength you will show in keeping his children and yourself strong and ready for the happy day he comes back home to your arms.

You pick up that phone anytime okay. Biggest hugs dear friend, I know this is terribly hard for you.

Judy;

Thank you and your family so much for your sacrifice!

Your tears mean our freedom.

Your husband and your family will be in my prayers!

I would like to say thank you, Dean, for your service to our country, and thank you Judy and kids for sharing him with us. I will be keeping your family in my prayers.

Steve

J.R. ....Thank you!

Kim...you're so sweet! Thanks!

Akiva...your prayers and blessings mean the world!

Jo...I promise I won't forget! :hug:

Ed...thank you so much for your words and prayers!

Steve....thanks, hon!!

It really is very comforting to know that other people understand and will be watching out for us in their thoughts and prayers.

:grouphug:

(edit; Had to add Steve, who typed too fast the first time. ;) )

JLC

So sorry to hear your hubby has to leave early!:(

Looks like you have a very nice family there.;)

Judy and Dean,
Thank you both so much for your sacrifices to serve and protect our country. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family and Dean until he comes home. *hugs*