Originally Posted by pookie ookie

Deployment is a wonderful time to express how much you love him and how proud you are of him.

Talk about positive things. Don't burden him with your "anticipatory grief." Find your support at home. Mission #1: support him. Mission #2: support his wife and child. #3: find someone else to support you.

Try not to compare troubles. People unknowingly do this and it leads to tension. Professional support is available. Internet, too. And, don't forget your loved ones at home. Do activities together and share the pix and stories with him (in a positive manner).

Send regular care packages. It's easy peasy but only send what he wants. Many are responsible for their garbage and it can get to be a drag. Send real honest to goodness snail mail letters. Bakemewish.com sends good birthday cakes that survive shipping to Iraq and Afghanistan just fine.

Almost everyone misses a call home. Do not beat yourself up over it. No matter how tempting. It happens all the time.

Read up on OPSEC. If you share/post uniformed pix, make sure you obscure the nametape and rank. Do not use his name. Also make sure the background is innocuous.

Make something special for him, the wife and the child. A Daddy doll? A blanket? Pour your love into it.

I promise you that time will pass quicker than you expect now. Get a wall clock for the room you're in most often and keep it set to Afghanistan time. I find this comforting. You might, too.

Remember: be positive for him and the shower is a good spot for a cry.