Sorry if this is long winded. Haven’t posted in a bit, but been reading everyday to keep my mind occupied. My oldest son (20) followed in my footsteps last year and enlisted in the Marine Corps. I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s been in a little over a year and he’s an outstanding Marine. Squared away hard charger. But the day has come that I have dreaded as his father. This weekend his unit is wheels up for deployment to the Middle East. Now I knew this was always a possibility, but as a father, being on this side of it is completely different than being in his shoes. This weekend he drove home to bring his car and a few things he didn’t want to leave in the barracks. I drove him back to base yesterday and got him settled, said our goodbyes and I hit the road. 5 hours in the truck. No music, no phone calls. Just 5 hours of reflection on his life, my life with him, raising him, the last 20 years. Knowing he’ll probably be okay as his unit is locked in, but the slight possibility that it may have been the last time I ever see him is a complete mindfuck. I am unbelievably proud of the man he has become. I am not a very spiritual person, but I pray to god that my son comes home to me safe.