Daddy's gone

We have a chalkboard that is in the hall near the mudroom. I leave messages or the kids do or draw pictures. This past couple of days my first grader- Jack has left little notes that say how many days till daddy leaves. Then he draws a sad face. Today at 5am I had to wake my kids to drive hubby-their daddy to the base so he could leave for Afghanistan. They were tired and sad for him to leave. It is hard no matter when they leave but even harder near Christmas. He will miss so much this deployment. Christmas, a pre-k program, all the birthdays, valentines day, Easter, pre-k graduation, a first dance recital, all my son's first year of playing basket ball, and pretty much the whole summer break.
Sometime after school today my first grader wrote this:
It ripped my heart out and it will kill my hubby when he gets to where he is going and sees it.
I hope my kids weather well through this. I know they are strong but kids shouldn't have to be this strong. It isn't fair to them.
Here they all are at 5 saying goodbye to daddy.
Daddy and Sophie
Daddy and Jack.
Daddy and Jon.
Be safe Kirk and hurry home. We love and miss you.


14 comments:

  1. My heart aches for you and your family. I will be thinking of you!

    XOXO

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  2. I don't know what to say except Thank You for sacrificing your hubby's family time for our country. You and your kiddos are so brave...just like your hubby. I'm sorry he had to leave at all, and especially so close to Christmas.

    I will be thinking of you and yours...

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  3. Your post made me tear up. I will keep you all in my prayers.
    Joyce

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  4. I'm so sorry for your family. God bless you and your children and especially your husband. Thank him for his service and I pray that he will return safely home. My son just finished Basic and is at AIT now. I miss him already.

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  5. I know it is hard, but it is families like yours that make this a great nation. Your husband is my hero. Even though he is not physically there this year, you know his heart is with you in every moment. Build him up... Your children have much to look up to. And You are one amazing woman, You will weather this as well.
    Praying for your family.
    Karyn

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  6. Oh Tammy. I'm so sad for you all. What an amazing sacrifice your family makes for this country. It puts things in perspective for the rest of us. My brother-in-law is in the army and just got back this fall from Iraq. I know how hard it was for his family. I just can't imagine. I wish I could come hug your neck and bring you cookies. I'll be thinking of you.

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  7. My heart and my deepest appreciation go out to you, Kirk and your precious children. Your sacrifice makes our world better. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel. May God Bless and Keep You All.

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  8. I am so sorry that he had to leave before the holidays. Seems like just yesterday our military man was heading out before the season too. Missing Christmas is the pits!

    As mine comes in (hopefully in the next few days) I am reminded of those who must replace him. I will be thinking of you and your family! If you ever need anything I am but a click and a blog away.

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  9. I will be thinking your family. God bless you!!

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  10. I hope you and the kids have a great Christmas.

    Thanks to your husband for protecting us all.

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  11. May God be with your husband, you, and the kids. I will keep your family in my prayers. Thank you so very much for lending your husband to America. I'm PROUD to be an American because of families like yours.

    Thank you,

    Sincerely,
    Diane

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  12. They have lots of days and ceremonies and all that stuff to honor the people who serve in our armed forces, and I would never take that away, but sometimes I think we need a day to honor, and thank, the familes of those who serve. Your sacrifice for our country is just as real, and just as appreciated. May God Bless you and your family, and bring you all safely back together as soon as possible.

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  13. i don't even know what to say. how do i say thank you for what you, your family and most of all your huband are doing for me and my family. there is no way to express it. please know there are people in this great county who are truely grateful for families and men like yours! THANK YOU.

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  14. Your post broke my heart. I'm so sorry that your family is separated this Christmas and for the next several months. My gratitude, heart and prayers go out to all of you.

    Jen

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