Goodbye

I am an Airmen and since the day that I raised my right hand and took an oath to support and defend the constitution I KNEW that this day would eventually come.   Somehow, until the news actually arrives and preparations begin, the reality of what that means can be ignored or minimized.   Since the news that I would be deploying was given to me, my family and I have been on an emotional roller coaster and the days have passed much too quickly.
I have my gear.
It is packed.
All my belongings for the next year are in 2 (albeit large) bags.

I have completed the various tasks and checklists.
Now all that's left for the next just over 24 hours is to spend time with my husband and children trying to "enjoy our time together" as if the next 371 days aren't about to happen.   But they are and so on Sunday morning I will be driven to the airport to say a very sad goodbye to the most important people in my life, to my home and to the comforts I enjoy everyday.
There is really no way to describe the heaviness in my heart knowing that I will be away so long, thinking of the many things I will miss while I am away.  There is no way to prepare for the experiences I will have and hopefully the people whose lives I will be able to touch.
let the countdown begin......
see you all next year.