Deployments are very hard on families but none more so than on the children. My son goes on deployment when I do because he becomes "The Man of the House".

This is the story of my Dad and I. My dad is a sailor attached to the U.S.S. America which is an aircraft carrier. Every year or year and a half, my dad has to go away from us. He is gone for a very long time but working together he has helped me in dealing with his absence. So my dad says that him and I are both on deployment. Before he leaves he talks to me about all the things I need to do at home. I become the "Man of the House"

.My son always tells me "Dad don't forget to look for me on Whistler's Rock, I'll be there waving goodbye, I love you Dad". Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do but my son always cheers me up. We look forward to our zoom chats in the coming weeks.

On our zoom chats, which is how we communicate at times when time permits, my son tells me about his favorite place to go. He loves going to the beach with his mom and his dog Boomer. He says "Dad, when I am out here at the beach I think of you, what are you doing and where are you. I miss you dad." Even after just two weeks I miss him already.

My  mom and I come to this spot to think about Dad and also to pray for him. Here mom and I talk about what we will do for the next 7 months that dad is gone. It gives me peace and mom makes me feel safe.

One of my favorite things to do when dad is away is go shopping with my mom. It gets our minds off the sadness of missing dad.

Today is "Video Day" with dad. We get to chat with him and see how he is doing. I get to tell him how much I miss him and ask him where he's going. Mom is happy!

After hearing my dad's voice, my mom and I were so happy. Dad told us where he was going and that was to Benidorm, Spain. He says that they are also going to visit many other countries. My mom and I looked up this city and it was interesting. I am learning new things.