Saying goodbye for a year

Ugh, I don't even know where to begin, we've had such an emotionally draining day today. Ed is on his way to Afghanistan as I type and Layla and I are beyond heartbroken. A year just seems so long. I know I've done this twice already but it doesn't get any easier, not to mention this will be my first time completely on my own, not in California with my loved ones. I do think this year will be a great bonding time for Layla and I, we'll get to experience so much together which will bring us even closer than we already are. I just know how close Ed and Layla are and it'll be hard on both of them having to be away from each other, they truly are best friends. I just hope and pray that Ed will come home to us safe and sound. Let the worrying begin!

I woke up this morning with a massive knot in my stomach, not ready to say goodbye to my love for a year. I have been dreading this day for months now and I cannot believe it was finally time. We woke up and finished helping Ed pack and get his last few things ready to go then headed out to his company where we waited for him to get his weapon and just hanging out until it was time for them to get locked down. Even though we were just sitting in the sun all day with nothing to do, it was so nice being able to hang out with Ed those last few hours. I will cherish those last moments together. Ed took forever to get his weapon, he didn't want to have to wait in a long line to get it so he was waiting until the last minute. Layla is so funny, she told him "Daddy, do you want to get dead? No? Then go get your weapon!" It's amazing what this little girl has been exposed to in her short life, she knows exactly where Daddy is going and what he's doing. It's cute and sad all at the same time, makes me feel bad for her. It was so so so hard saying goodbye, it gets harder every time. I can't even put into words how much we are going to miss Ed, I just hope this year goes by super fast and he's back in my arms in no time!