His daughter asks questions already

His 1 1/2 year old daughter asks me where the important people are in her life when I pick her up at daycare. It goes something like this.

Mama?
She's working.
Nana?
She's working.
Dada?
He's working far far away.
Papa?
I'm right here.

And then she smiles...

Dang, she's cute.

Map of Iraq

Since 2003 I've become very familiar with the provinces on this map. Looking at it now, the place names bring back a flood of memories. Diyala, Babil, Salahad Din, Arbil, Dahuk and Ninawa are all places I've read about and had dreams about.

This time we aren't sure where he will be. Probably Baghdad.

Iraq - Part Two

He was there in 2003 when it all began. He's about to go there again, just as they are saying it is about to end. Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. It seems somehow fitting that he and I started this journey just after the beginning shots were fired and we have the opportunity to end this journey together too, just as an uneasy peace comes to Iraq.

I suppose there are worse things. Iraq seems calmer now, though it is still a dangerous place for an American soldier. But my worst fears weren't realized. He's not going to Afghanistan. American soldiers will be in Iraq for many years to come but hopefully it won't be as hostile for those who follow.

Many things have changed since the first time. He married the girl from 2003 who experienced that deployment with us. The wedding almost didn't happen though - war is cruel to relationships.

Their relationship is so much stronger now and they have a great future ahead of them. A year away from the one you love is incredibly hard but I'm sure they will make it through to the end and be all the stronger for it.

They have a beautiful daughter named Ava. And a little boy on the way. I am going to make sure that those two little ones understand the great sacrifices that their parents made to provide them with a safe and secure world to grow up in.

This journal will be a testament to sacrifice, loneliness and hope.