What I'm looking forward to

According to a typical military career cycle, we're lucky that this is only Mike's second deployment. Usually, soldiers and sailors face deployments every couple of years - sometimes for as long as 15 months. Mike hasn't deployed in five years. Last time he deployed, we were living in San Diego, we'd been married just over a year, and had no children - my, how things have changed in five years!

I wouldn't change a thing about our life - even though it is difficult at times. The military has provided our family opportunities that probably wouldn't have been possible under other circumstances. We've lived in places I never imagine we would live and we have dear friends all across the country. Mike had his undergraduate and graduate degrees fully funded. I'm thankful for that - and I'm really trying to remember how grateful I am right now - when I'm sad that Mike is gone.

But, instead of being sad, I'm focusing on Homecoming. It's an amazing experience. The excitement is unrivaled - the emotions felt while standing on the pier, watching the ship pull in truly cannot be described. It's incredible. And then, when your loved one gets off the ship - again, I cannot describe it - it takes your breath away!

I found a picture of last time Mike came home. I thought I'd share it with you - looking at it brings a smile to my face.