I remember it like it was yesterday. Mike was only about 10 weeks old when my USN husband was called to duty in Iraq. This was almost 7 years ago, when it all just started, he was one of the first ones out there. He left in February for what was supposed to be 6 months.
I remember boarding the plane in CA to go stay with my parents in NY while he goes away to fight a war. I had our baby in my arms and all we could muster was a hug and a "see you later", it was too painful to say anything else, he gave Mike a kiss and left.
I tried to keep my mind occupied and care for Mike as best as I could, went back to school nights, and tried to be as positive as possible about my situation. It was nearly impossible to do with the news constantly running stories about killed or missing American soldiers, and with every missed phone call or email, it was even more difficult to do.
He came back 9 months later, he returned about 50lbs lighter but, that weight was in his heart, the weight which I think he will always carry with him.
He did his job, he served his country whether one agrees with the war or not, please remember these men and women are someone's children/parents/siblings.
Happy Veteran's Day Vadik!
