The past few months, Brian has been working what seems like all the time. This is a pretty common occurrence during this part of the year as co-workers rotate out, new ones are coming in sporadically, out-of-town classes and training are happening, and people are on vacation. Our own vacation was a nice break from Brian's frequent absence, but since we have been back, he has been gone more than ever.
We had it pretty darned easy in Arkansas, where Brian's hours were set, reliable, and not all that bad. However, we knew that we were in for a rude awakening before we even moved here, but even preparing yourself mentally doesn't make it much easier, especially for the kids. They just don't really understand, no matter how you try to explain it. Charley particularly has a difficult time, which is clearly apparent in her behavior every time he is gone. She is much more irritable and whiny in his absence, and her whole demeanor changes the second he walks in the door. Both kids have come to listen for the sound of his Jeep pulling up in the driveway, and on the occasions when he is able to sneak in, their whole faces light up as they go sprinting for his legs the second they spot him. I honestly think his coming home is one of the best parts of their day.
I know that in all reality, we really don't have it that bad. Brian is not off on long deployments over in the Middle East like many of the soldiers from around here, who may spend as many as 15 months at a time in Iraq. He gets to come home most nights and is never gone for more than a couple weeks at a time. In all reality, we have it pretty good.
Nonetheless, everyone sure does still miss daddy.
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