Today I said goodbye. It was the day that we anticipated and dreaded for so many months.
Today I had to tell my heartbroken 6 year old daughter that it was more than 30 days, more than 100, more than 200 days.
Today I stood on the beach with my military spouse sisters and waved goodbye. To what they are flying toward we don't know, and what adventures we will have when they are away is also a mystery. But today we stood shoulder to shoulder as our spouses go to fight as brothers.
Today and every day we are a family.
Today my 5 year old son asked me with wide eyes if he was the man of the house. And today I still don't know a good answer to that question. He wants to be a big guy, but today he is still so little and I want him to feel free from stress.
Today we listened to the familiar hum of the Hawkeye engines taking our loved ones away. Today we start the countdown and look forward to that sound again when they'll be returning safe and sound.
Today I am grateful. Grateful for the friends in my life who understand, who encourage, and who love without bounds. For treats left on porches, wine between friends, the sounds of our kids playing happily while we absorb and process the day.
Today it was me. Tomorrow it will be another family somewhere in the world.
Today is day 1. One day down.
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