Bitter Sweet...

We took a day trip to Charleston yesterday to visit my brother before he's deployed next week. He will be leaving for training in Texas for 4-6 weeks and then off to Iraq for 12-18 months. This is his second deployment. When he went last time he was strictly on the ground at the bases but this time he will be flying. He is an Apache pilot and has actually not been flying for a while due to family circumstances.

Most of you know his youngest daughter has a heart condition (same and Mary Clare) and has had 4 heart surgeries (one to go) and she is also autistic. They are so strong and have devoted all their energy to her therapies, appointments, etc...The military has been great about keeping Whit in Charleston to be at MUSC and with all her therapist. She is doing amazing! Talking, reading and surprising us all the time. My sister-n-law has to deal with all of this alone now and I know it is going to be tough.

We had a great visit! Even though they are only 2 hours away, we don't get to visit that often but hope to do better about this soon! The kids played and we ate lunch and dinner at the house and then we took baths and put jommies on to head home. We made it home around 10:30. It was a long day but so worth it. I had a slight meltdown when I left and on the ride home thinking of Whit leaving. It was sad when he told Parker he wouldn't see him again until he was 5 1/2. (He didn't actually see Cambell until he was nearly a year last time). I know he is great at his job and he is proud of what he is doing. We are so proud of him defending our country. Please keep him in your prayers as he fights for our freedom.





They found the mud puddles, of course!







Parker loved playing with Sable. This is him trying to make her "speak".