Thinking of Uncle Whit

I just hung up the phone with my brother, Whit, who leaves tomorrow for Iraq. He has been in Texas training and freshening up his flying skills before he leaves. His family was blessed to have him return to Mt. Pleasant for about 2 weeks before he had to deploy. He flies out of Charleston tomorrow and then will leave the country on Wednesday. We expect him to be gone 15-18 months and then he will be stationed in Texas for a while before he gets to return home to his girls. Unfortunately, because I was on call this weekend and working every other day, I didn't get to go back to Charleston to visit before he leaves. My mom and Tommy, thankfully, did get to go. Lewis, Wade, and my dad all got to meet up with him in Texas a couple of weekends ago.

It is always trying for any family who has to send someone off to the war. I can't help but feel they have it extra hard with all of Haleigh's needs between her heart and her autism. My sister-n-law is extremely strong and will be on her own with 2 girls for about 2 years. Please keep Whit and Kristin and their 2 girls, Madi and Haleigh in your prayers. Add them to your prayer lists at church, work, whatever.

Whit, I am having such a hard time with your leaving this time. I promise I am going to make frequent trips to Charleston to visit the girls while you are gone. I am so proud of you and all you have accomplised. I tell so many people that I have a brother who is a Major in the Army and an Apache pilot. It is so difficult to watch you go, but I know God has prepared you mentally and physically for this challenge. All my love, sis