shock and awe

Well, today was it.  Today was the day we have been dreading for the last 14 months.  I can't believe how fast 14 months can go.  I cannot believe that I am in this situation again.  We got to relax this morning and pretend nothing was happening.  But, by 10 am, E was already bouncing off the walls trying to get the last minute stuff done.  That took most of the day.  Then, we decided to go to Outback for dinner.  It was packed at 4:45 when we arrived.  After waiting on a table for about 25 minutes we were seated.  But, it took an hour to get our dinner.  We ordered our appetizer and meals at the same time.  It took about 30 minutes to get the salad.  Completely insane!  It was all E could do to sit in his skin waiting on the food.  When we got home, RJ took Tylenol and rested.  (The flu shot on Thursday is kicking her butt!)  D went down to the basement to "help" E finish up.  Then, we took a few minutes of adult time to talk and cry.  We called the girls down and all laid in our bed watching a Wallace and Gromit movie on Netflix via Wii.  But, the mood was hardly light.  By the time that was over, it was time to head out.  We got up the road about 2 miles and E stopped to check the van and make sure he put everything in.  :)  Of course, he did!  When we arrived at the hangar, we dropped his bags and parked.  As we went into the hangar, E went to get into the line to get his weapon issued and take care of business.  The girls and I staked out a spot to stand.  But, hot cocoa and popcorn called.  It took about an hour of us standing around before they made the 15 min. call.  Then, about 20 minutes before they actually lined up.  Once the soldiers were out on the buses, we headed home.  There was no need to see the  buses pull away.  We were so ready to get home. We called E's parents to let them know that he was on his way.  As I am home and typing this at 2 am, I can't believe it has happened.  I can't believe I am alone again.  I have done this before but am not ready to do it again!  I am saying prayers that this will be a decent year.  Please keep us all in your prayers.