Hi David,

I am sorry to hear that your son is being deployed so quickly. It must be hard as a parent to have your son going into harms way and not be able to prepare for it. My sister's husband was in Iraq for 18 months, early into the war. He wound up leaving her with two wee ones to care for. It was a definite hardship for the family, but my sister is very strong and has an amazing sense of denial to boot. Don't laugh, it is a valuable coping skill at times.

While he was away, he was able to get internet access. I used to frequently see him on-line here at odd hours (LOL, another one who never posts). It was reassuring for me to have that contact. Fortunately, he came home all in one piece - and according to my sister, in many ways a much stronger, more capable person.

I cannot wish more for your son - that he comes home alive and in one piece - and that somehow the experience makes him a stronger, better person.

James