Anxiety!

As parents we know our children have different chapters in their lives and they have to go through them and going through them truly makes them the adults they will be, but I have to admit, I'm ready for this chapter for Chad and Katie to come to an end and for them to start the next one.

The anxiety that is building knowing his deployment is coming sooner than later is starting to get all too real again. He is in the Mojave Desert right now for training and the temperatures will be in the 120's or higher while he is training. After the hypothermia in Bridgeport in May it's my prayer that he is able to stay hydrated and healthy during this training. I know he is a Marine, but he was my son first and I don't care who you are or hold old your babies get, they are always your babies and you worry about them always. Can I get an amen from all those mommas out there? That's what I thought. :)

Chad will be in the desert for 30 days for this training and then have some time at home (when not at work of course) and then they will get to come home around Sept. 17th for his pre-deployment leave and I can't wait. They will be here for 2 weeks and I will have their room all ready with fresh sheets (yes with Downy fabric softener, that's his favorite) for them. I can't wait. Once he returns it will be time to get ready for the dreaded deployment again. He will deploy in October and the anxiety of anticipating that date has gotten me so emotional. I feel like I cry at the drop of a hat and especially when I see anything about our soldiers. Of course, I've always done that, but it's a different kind of emotion now. Words really can't explain what I'm feeling in my heart right now.

I'm just so thankful that I have a bonus daughter that loves him so much and continues to be his strength when he needs a little extra (and yes, even Marines need a little extra strength from time to time, that's why they have families).

I know I couldn't continue to get through all these events in their lives without her and I can only hope and pray I am doing the same for her. She needs us since she doesn't seem to have any other family that really gets what she and Chad are both going through so Tebo and I and the rest of my family will always be here for her. Always!

Chadman, just stay hydrated during this next 30 days and be safe and expect lots of hugs (and pictures of course) when you are home in September, because I haven't been able to hug you since Christmas and it will be too long to go before I get another one so it's on. You have been warned! :)

I love my baby Marine and my bonus Marine daughter and couldn't have chosen two more capable young adults to go through this journey as well as they are. I am so proud of them both.

I may cry a lot over the next 9 to 12 months, but one thing is for sure, I am one proud MOTHER! I can't forget to mention that without my precious husband I could not have gone through any of this as well as I feel I have. He is truly my bisucuit! I love you Tebo.