Day 1

It seems I have started this day 3 different times.  Three different times I have felt the emotions rise and then fall again.  But today, was different.  Today, I took notice of every little thing Michael did.  The way he shaved, the way he tied his boots, the way he put on his uniform.  I caught myself humming the tune to American Solider by Toby Keith in my head. As I stood in the airport with my 4 children, tears streaming down our faces, looking into our American Solider eyes I knew he was our HERO!  Michael is truly our Hero, he loves and cares for us as much as he cares for the love of the military and what it stands for.  Those last few moments with him will be forever etched in my memory.  His kiss that just seemed to say don't let go.  His hold on me telling me with every fiber of his body that he loves me more than anything in the world.  And then the tears that so quietly fell made me realized he was just as scared as I was.  To know that my Hero, My love, my best friend is putting his life on the line to make someone Else's life better somehow takes away the pain, the hurt and the aching for him to be home.

I am so thankful to so many people today.  I can't tell my family how blessed I am to have them in my life.  How grateful I am to them for all the support they give me even though they are miles away.  I know that each of them wished they could be here today but I felt their love and support in so many ways.  I am thankful for close friends that I have made here.  I am truly thankful for my ward family and their willingness to listen to the Lord and act upon his spirit.  I am so thankful to my new family and actually they aren't so new but my military family.  It was so wonderful to see Colonels, First Shirts, Captains and Fellow Coworkers come to the airport and give Michael Best Wishes and Support for the Job that he will be doing over there.  It was a great comfort to have someone there standing with us as we watched Michael get on the plane that knew what we were going through.  To give that support to us when it was much needed.  I cannot express my gratitude enough to the phone calls, the text messages, the letters, the gifts and the simple face book messages just saying your cared.  It means more than you know.

I don't know how much I will be able to say about what Michael is doing or where he is at but for now we know He is headed to Afghanistan.  We do know that his job will be very involved with higher up people in both governments.  He is really excited to take this opportunity to provide service to the Afghan people!

I just ask one thing from all that read this.  PLEASE Keep my Husband in your prayers!  He can use them.