The only thing that is worse than saying goodbye to my husband for a yearlong deployment is doing it five times. That sentence should describe enough about this last week! Between troops getting backed up and planes breaking down, needless to say, it was not exactly easy for R and the guys to get out of here!

So this has started. YUCK! I don't know a more eloquent way of expressing how I feel! One thing I will say is within a week, I have met so many other wives from R's unit, it makes me feel like I will be just fine this year. What a relief. An outsider will never know the sisterhood that evolves during a military deployment. When I was growing up and in High School, I rarely had close friends who were female with an exception of one (Love ya Annie!) so I never really felt the need for the companionship of females until R joined the Army. It's now a survival tool. However, my weakest trait is to stick my neck out and make friends. It's terrifying for me! I got some great advice this week from another "sister" before going to my first family readiness meeting (FRG) and she said "Look for the people who are sitting alone, watching. Your natural inclination will to BE one of those people, but this is your opportunity to find some friends for yourself, as well as make things a LOT better for someone else that needs you" That is my inner struggle in a nutshell, which is why I love this person so much, she knows me so well, her advice is priceless.

The other vital person for me this year is my husband. His love and support makes me feel like I can handle anything that comes my way.

One week at a time.

Have a great one yourselves!