Preparing for the Big D

So here we are one short month away from deployment. While we knew this was a possibility it doesn't make it any easier. Knowing Dutch will be gone for 9 months and missing so much of Katie's first year and all of the holidays and Anthony's birthday again this year really stinks. There's so many emotions to deal with and it's honestly madness how to explain to the kids why daddy has to be gone for so long. And if the unthinkable happens how could I ever explain that or even deal with that. So many things to think about and stress over. But deep down I know all will be well and he will come home safe to his family and we will keep busy so the time passes quickly.