My stepson deployed to Afghanistan earlier this week. He is a career Marine, but that doesn’t make his departures any easier on our family. Stationed in Hawaii, he and his wife are expecting our first grandchild in March. He probably won’t be home until June. Yes, he’ll miss the birth of his child. We hope he can be there via videoconferencing.
The day he left he spent hours on the phone calling the people he loves. His dad called me after talking with him from work. Understandably, Hubby was despondent. When my call came at home, Stepson sounded so gloomy—how could he not? He’d been telling folks goodbye all day. I also talked to his wife during the call. She sounded like a little girl. Her birthday is next week so I’ve sent her lots of goodies which I hope will cheer her up. He also missed their anniversary while training for this mission. Life goes on.
I asked what I could do. I didn’t know what else to say, other than I loved him. He said to write letters—communicate—after he sends his new address. The last time he was stationed overseas our niece’s school class adopted him, and when he returned home, he visited her class in full dress uniform. She’s in college now, but I’m sure we’ll find others to adopt him for this tour.
When I get his address, I will post it in case anyone wants to drop him a note. Until then (and after) please keep him and his wife in your thoughts and prayers. It’s going to be a long eight or nine months.
~ Kay
- Naomi and Drew
