The price of freedom....

As most of you know, today was D-Day in our home. Deployment Day is so hard on the kids. I didn't exactly know what to expect because this was Steve's first deployment to a combat zone since we have been married. He went to Bagram in February 2007, but we were dating and his kids and I didn't have quite the same relationship that we do now. If you hear a politician talking about the price of freedom I have to tell you that the real price lies not in the economic toll, but in the hardship it entails upon the families and loved ones of all those serving. I watched today as my children cried because their father and stepfather was leaving to fight in a war that they don't understand and a land that they have never heard of until now. The day was rushed because they bumped Steve's flight up an hour, and didn't bother to tell them until we had dropped him off for his briefing. I have ambivalent feelings for Steve's involvement in the military. On one hand I love that he has the sense of pride and honor that drives him to feel that it is his duty. BUT, on the other hand, I hate that he leaves us for this time and that the military takes him away from us. The kids asked him today when he was going to retire. I personally wish it was soon, but I believe that he has at least another four years. If not then, I am not sure he will ever retire! I will get off of my soapbox now, and here are some pictures from today....beware, some of them are sad!

From Steve Leaving 102008