3 months down

Well we are now at 3 months down. While it seems like it has been a short time it also seems like it has been the longest 3 months ever. Sometimes I sit here and think it has only been 3 months but then there are the times that it seems like it has been forever. We still have a ways to go but we are making it. Has it gotten easier, not so much. I don't think the loneliness, the feeling of being lost and not hearing Mike snore or come in from work or getting after Kyla will ever get easy.

Mike's parents, grandma and niece came down this past weekend and we had a really good visit. Thank goodness Mike was able to get online on Sunday and web cam so his parents and grandma could see him and talk to him. I am so glad the Internet cooperated for us. We went shopping and I took the girls to the pool. It was a relaxing yet very quick visit. Thank goodness they did come down since Mike's dad was able to fix my car without me having to pay a boat load of money. It was so good to see everyone, especially Mike's grandma. This was her first visit down here and to see the look on her face Sunday when she seen Mike on the computer screen was priceless. It took all I had not to start crying just seeing the joy in her eyes. It was hard to say bye to them this morning but Kyla and I are planning on going back to Missouri in November for a few days. It will be good to go back so I can see my side of our family. While some have asked if it would have been easier to move back home while Mike is gone, in some ways it might be but being down here with everyone who is going thru the same thing has been so much easier on us.

Mike looks good and sounds good. They are working very long hours. It helps me to go and buy things to send over to him, even if I can't be there it helps me to get different things and send to him so that I still feel I am taking care of him. If anyone would like to send him a letter or card or a package and needs his address please contact me and I can give it to you. It is still so hard to come home to an empty house, to go to bed at night, eat dinner without him sitting beside me. Mike was picked to give Gov. Nixon, from Missouri, a tour of their camp in July. Several govenors went overseas and toured the different military members. For those of you who havent seen the picture yet you can go to www.mo.gov and the picture was on their home page. While Mike didn't think it was a "big deal" Kyla and I are so proud of him. I think it helped when they realized that Mike was from Gov. Nixon's hometown too.

Kyla is doing really good. We have had our times but we work thru them. It is hard on her since this is the longest she has been without her daddy but she has grown up so much emotionally. I think "military kids" have to grow up so much so fast and it is sad but the majority of them are really good kids and have such huge hearts, it makes you so proud of them. Kyla has been working this summer. They have a summer internship down here on post. The kids work a few hours each day and have to keep a journal about their work and attend different workshops. Even with it being an internship they do get paid too. She has been working at a day care and has a whole new outlook on children.

I think it has taken this long for me to actually feel like a person again. I am sleeping a little better and actually feel like getting out of the house. I just really hate going places without Mike. If we go anywhere and are gone for awhile, I just can't wait to get back home. I hate being away from home, I don't think that feeling will ever change until Mike comes back home.

Please remember to visit the following website: http://www.bubbasbellyrun.com/ It is a fellow military spouse's site. Nicki lost her husband in Afghan in February of this year and a few days after loosing her husband she found out she was pregnant. Her husband had just been back in Afghan 2 weeks when he was killed after being home for R&R, rest and relaxation. It was their dream to have more children as they have one precious little boy so this baby is a true miracle. Nicki has started a memorial run/walk in "Bubba's" memory. It will be held in the DC area in September on their anniversary. The money raised is going to some great causes. Even if you can't be at the run you can purchase a flag that will be in honor of those that have been lost in Afghan and Iraq. It is her hope to have a flag for each of our Hero's who have been lost.

Please keep Mike and his fellow soldiers in your thoughts and prayers. All of our military members need your prayers and please remember their families also.