Thursday, August 26, 2010

Leaving Tomorrow

Mike leaves tomorrow, but it's almost 3 p.m. and he's still at work doing simulator flights and preparing for their departure.  Having to wait to spend our last few hours with Mike before he leaves seems really unfair.  Yes, I'm pouting, and I'll admit it. :) I know he'll be here as soon as he's allowed to be, so I've tried not to call and bug him too much.

I was wrong about the deployment time frame.  Turns out he'll be gone eight to nine months instead of the standard six to seven.  They were called to leave early to aid in the humanitarian relief for the Pakistan flood victims. There's not much a Harrier can do for them, but they'll be going early anyhow to stay with their squadron and get on with their originally planned deployment after Pakistan.

USS Kearsarge
On Sunday, we drove to Norfolk, where USS Kearsarge is docked right now waiting for all of the Sailors and Marines to board.  Since Mike will be flying a jet on, he wanted to take a few things up there to set up his room like sheets/blanket/pillow/foam mattress.  He took some of his heavy gear and a TV as well.  I was kind of excited to see the boat in person. (Even though it's the very thing that's going to take him away!)  From the outside, it is beautiful. And ENORMOUS.  However, Mike's room is like a shoebox with four bunks and a sink.  I teared up at the thought of him staying there for so long.  There are no windows.  Just tiny rooms with loooooong, narrow corridors with pipes running all throughout.  The only way they are able to see out is if they go to the top deck of the ship, which is just a giant runway.

We spent some time helping him tidy up his bed and arrange a few things before going up to the top deck.  Up there, Mike showed me where the Harriers take off and where/how they land. 

Runway. Scary to think of flying off that!

I had a bit of a breakdown about the added months Mike will be gone, but I know we'll get through it fine and come out stronger as a result.  I really appreciate all of your comments here on the blog as well as your emails and phone calls.  It helps to know that you are praying for Mike and for the girls and me.  Tomorrow will be a very, very sad and hard day, but after that I hope we will get moving and cheer up and start the countdown!  I bought a giant map and put it up in AK's room so she can see Daddy's progress by using pinpoints as he travels across the world.  We plan to stay super busy to help pass the time. And each night, we'll listen to Daddy read a bedtime story! (He recorded an hour's worth of reading their books. I think it will be huge in helping Avery remember him... or at least recognize his voice/face when he gets back.)

Mike's bunk is on top.
The Ready Room.  Where they plan missions, etc.
Please pray for Mike's safe departure and joyous return!  I'll post pics of his fly-off if they'll let us get close enough.  Thanks again for your prayers and support.

6 comments:

Meg Palmer said...

Case, my heart is breaking for you!I will def keep you guys and in my prayers! Please call...always here for you!

Meg Palmer said...

Case, my heart is breaking for you!I will def keep you guys and in my prayers! Please call...always here for you!

melissa said...

Hey casey, so I am imagining it is peter you are talking about and me writing, and i want to cry. Good luck tomorrow, I know I'll probably come for advice when our time comes for peter to leave....
ps good idea about the map...

melissa said...

Hey casey, so I am imagining it is peter you are talking about and me writing, and i want to cry. Good luck tomorrow, I know I'll probably come for advice when our time comes for peter to leave....
ps good idea about the map...

Sarah said...

You are doing such a great job for your girls, Casey. The book taping is an awesome idea! Love the header picture too. I'll be thinking about you all day tomorrow. Fly safe, Mike!

Carrie, Sean and Savannah Leigh said...

Thoughts and prayers are with ALL of you during this time. God Bless Mike during his mission and safe return!! ~Carrie B.