I'm very proud of him!

Jan 30th...

Going active was a choice Derrick and I made together, he knew the possibilities of being deployed when he signed the contract. I thought I knew too, but after being in the reserves for 6 years and never having to go, I guess I just assumed it wasn't in the cards for us. Now here we are, only 5 days before he ships out and instead of focusing on my nerves, or worry, or fear, all I can think about is how proud I am of him. He really stepped up to the plate. In the reserves it's easy to slack off and forget why you joined in the first place because you only put the uniform on once a month and spend the majority of those days hanging around. Derrick has always been a pretty big joker. I wasn't worried about him in the least, but I can say that I was pleasantly surprised when he joined his new unit and slapped on his serious face. He instantly earned the respect of his entire platoon and has not once seemed like he doesn't want to be there. He gets up every morning before the sun and never complains or gripes about how tired he is. When he gets home, he helps me with anything I may need help with. And not once have I heard that he is not ready for this deployment. He is handling this terrifying situation so calmly and with such a level head...I am in awe of him. I wish I had his strength (I'll wish for his strength literally while he's gone and I try to rearrange the living room by myself,) but that's not the strength I mean today. Today I wish I had the kind of strength it takes to know you're doing the right thing for your family, even though it may be the last thing you want to do. He is the absolute best and the troops in Afghanistan should be happy he is coming to join them.