The Beginning of the End.

The beginning of the end of our time with Bryan until over a year from now.

March 2, 2009 - 48th BSTB's going away ceremony at the Statesboro Armory.

The ceremony was short, yet sweet. Our eldery neighbor, Wayne, even came out to wish Bryan well. Jack wore a perfect patriotic hand-me-down from Jaxx and Isaac and a camo blanket Bryan bought for him. It was nice to hear well-wishes from the community and we were reminded over and over again that we were in their prayers and that they are here for support. Leadership tried to settle our nerves by telling family members not worry - that their soldiers were in good hands. But, at the end of the day, our loved ones are still leaving their family and friends behind for a dangerous job overseas. When the man in command gets choked up during his speech - there is no way in hell you can keep your composure. No one can say anything to anyone to make the situation any easier. But of course, everyone's support is greatly appreciated - no matter what.


We moved to Statesboro a little over a year ago knowing this time was coming - but who knew it would come so soon. Bryan leaves for Fort Stewart today. He will be there until the end of March; then he goes for Camp Shelby, MS before he leaves for Afghanistan. He will have a few weekends off before he leaves for MS. Our time is limited now. In the next 400 days, I can count on my 10 fingers how many times we will see him. It's hard to believe where Jack and I will be in our lives by the time Bryan comes home. It seems so far from now. It is so far from now.


A year from now - Jack will have smiled, laughed, rolled over, had his first birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter - he'll have crawled - will be standing or possibly walking. Maybe he'll have uttered his first words. I'll be 30. We'll have celebrated Mothers and Fathers Day ... maybe even twice. It's crazy to think how different our lives will be when we join as family again.

It breaks my heart to watch Bryan and Jack. It took 7 goodbyes to Jack from Bryan today before he left. I know it's going to be hard for Bryan this next year - just as hard as it will be on us (if not harder). The best we can do is keep his morale up by sending emails, pictures, and love.

Godspeed, Bryan. We love you.