Dealing with deployments

Today, I just don't have anything meaningful to add, but thought I would write something about deployments. So far we are a little over half way there, and it seems like it's never going to end. I definitely have my ups and my downs. I try very much to enjoy the ups because I have learned that my life goes in cycles...and a down will come again. I try to make sure they don't stick around very long and go with the flow. If I feel good I try to get all I can done and use it to my advantage, but when I feel down, I let myself go, I don't fight it, I don't feel bad, or guilty (well just a little), and I allow myself to rest. I know it won't last and if I beat myself up it will only make it worse. I realize that we are doing our part and Cesar is doing his job, but it is really hard to be apart for half a year. I know we are lucky because we get to talk, email, and keep in touch by video conference online. But, the kids miss him, the days run together, and life feels meaningless sometimes. I try to focus on the positive, but some days that's harder to do. The positive things for me, are that we have been able to talk and really grow our relationship. We talk at home, but daily life gets in the way a lot and keeps us from addressing issues. I feel we have grown a lot since he left and it's almost like we will be starting over again when he gets back. The last deployment did not do that for us, but we were at a different point in our lives at that time...we still had some growing up to do. There are so many families going through the same thing that I am right now. And, this will keep happening for many years...I have learned through this that when I am able, I will help families in my situation to help them through.