Mike deployed last week. Thought I'd share a few pictures from the days and hours before he left.
The weekend before Mike left, they had a squadron party. It was really good to see all the guys one more time and say goodbye to those who will PCS during the next 6 months. It was, however, a bit shocking because it was the first time I actually said, "Goodbye" to any of the guys. The whole situation was getting very real!
(left to right)
Kristyn and Wizz Szala, Emily and Bluto McSwain, Andrea and Roman Slattery, Brittany and Spear Mintz, and Lynn and Shot Glass
I am so very lucky to have friends like these!! These girls will be my saving grace during the next 6 months!
The night before he left, he was walking around the house packing last minute items. Rusty was at his heels the entire time. I even videoed his shadow act! It was sad though to see how much Rusty picked up on the upcoming departure. He has been pouting all week without Mike around.
Finally, on the morning that Mike left, I dropping him off with all his gear at the hangar at 4 am. I was told to come back between 6:30 and 8:30 to say my final goodbyes. But, I got a phone call at 6:15 saying that I had better get over to the terminal quick because they were putting them through security early. So, our final goodbyes were much more brief than originally anticipated. It was good in a way, to just rip that Bandaid off and be done with it. I didn't have time to get worked up about it. We did have a few minutes to take this final picture.
I miss him so much and am sad that he's not here, but I've been doing pretty well this week. I am keeping busy with work and trying to workout every day. Rusty keeps me company when I'm home alone and is a great snuggler! Mike is able to Skype so that certainly helps! I've been able to talk to him a few times now! It won't be an easy 6 months, but we'll make it work!
