The Big Suck begins

Have you ever been forced to do something that completely terrifies you? Deployments always make me want to throw an adult-sized temper tantrum. It's so hard to go through something that is forced on you, especially when it's so scary and so very sad. And there's no avoiding it, no matter how much you deny it or how much medication you're on. Sans fleeing to Canada, which for some reason I can never talk Brian into.
We had a really pleasant last day together, but the goodbyes were downright horrible. I knew Brian would have a hard time saying goodbye to Sam, but I had no idea how bad it would be. I'm used to being the emotional wreck of the two of us, and it was hard to see him struggle with leaving us. He simply didn't want to go. This deployment, though I feel better about it, seems to be the worst already for Brian. Please keep him and his entire unit in your prayers.
Here are some photos of our last day together....

Sam "helping" Brian move the woodpile

Swinging on his new swing

Playing swords with Daddy

My boys

Our last family photo

Brian has a very long plane ride ahead, and apparently some less-than-ideal living conditions when he arrives, so pray for his comfort as well as his morale.

He called this morning while he was still waiting to board the plane at Pope Air Force Base and he sounded better.

Sam seems a little sensitive this morning, but over all, I think he's handling this very well. As I put him down for a nap today, he took the picture Brian gave him of the two of them and he kissed his Daddy's image and whispered "I love you, Daddy." Needless to say, I'm doing a lot of crying on our first day!