A tough day

Today is going to be a rough one for me.  I have to tell my kids that I am going back to Iraq.  This has to be the hardest thing to do.  As a Soldier, my job is rather simple.  The Army says go, I pack my bags, get on a plane, and do the job.  For my family, however, it is not as simple.  My wife has to go for a year without her husband.  My girls have to go a year without Daddy.  And finally, I will miss birthdays, aniversaries, and other important times in their lives.  Perhaps the hardest part is realizing that my children have to deal with mortality.  Knowing that Daddy is going to Iraq is one thing.  Dealing with the fact that some Soldiers are coming back either wounded or worse, that is the hardest thing for me to take and for them to have to deal with.  I will certainly keep people posted, and I know that at the end of the day, we will make it through this.......again.

A New Year, and a new outlook

What really changes when we move from an old year to the new year? Is it something in us that feels that we must change? Or, is it just another day that we move forward on? For me, I am finding that I am starting to change. And by change, it is me becoming older. I was joking with Catherine last night, realizing that as I head to being 35, I was wondering what 35 is supposed to look like? Am I that guy now? When did I become "middle aged?" I say no. I may be getting older, but to quote a great song by Pearl Jam, " I've changed, by not changing at all." I am looking forward to what this new year will bring. I have found that worrying about tomorrow allows you to miss what is happening today. So for me, the change will be to stop and enjoy the day that I have. And in the end, isn't is always about the challenge of life? I am truly excited to see what life has to offer and to enjoy living.