Saying Goodbye

After our return from Italy, every day became another day closer to Zane leaving so I dreaded every minute of it. Time went by so fast and now the day was finally here. Zane was scheduled to leave on Monday morning at 2am so we had all of Sunday together which was nice. We didn't do much, just hung out around the house, walked the dogs to the park, and tried our best to have one last regular day. By evening time it seemed like time was moving super fast and next thing you know he was saying goodbye to the dogs. It was hard to watch.

By 9:30pm we were on the road on our way to Camp Pendleton. After dropping off all of his equipment and picking up his rifle it was now 11:30pm. Families were all scattered in the parking lot, inside a classroom, or in their cars spending the last few hours with their Marines. It was super cold that night. We walked around, talked to some people, and hung out in the classroom for a bit. Finally, we decided to go back to the car and hang out there, alone, for the last part. Although I didn't want him to ever leave, the waiting around for him to HAVE to leave was horrible. We knew the worst was coming and him leaving was inevitable so those last few hours were dreadful.

When it was time, we walked outside as the rest of the Marines and their families did and began to hug. People everywhere began to cry and it was such a sad moment. We hugged and hugged for as long as we could. He then said goodbye to Cally, who was sleeping in her stroller, and gave me a kiss and walked away. He stepped inside the gated area and I knew then it was for REAL. I lost sight of him as he blended in with the rest of the Marines. I stayed and watched them line up in formation and after a talk from the CO, they boarded the buses. Meanwhile, families all around me were crying, as was I. Finally the buses drove past us and I frantically began to look for Zane, to get one last glimpse of his handsome face. I didn't think I'd find him, but he happened to be sitting on the right side by a window. We made eye contact one last time and I blew him a big kiss and he was gone. It was sad.

After they left, I put Cally back in her carseat to head home. She had woken up due to all of the commotion and was not happy. I tried to drive and head home but she was screaming in the back so I pulled over the side of the road at 3am to feed her. After her feeding, she fell right back asleep and homeward bound we were.

The first morning was rough,realizing that Zane was gone. Now, I'm just looking forward to seeing his face again and can't wait until we are all together again. Let the countdown begin!!!

Zane, I love you so much! I am so proud of you and what you do. I feel so lucky to be your wife and I will be here waiting for you when you get back! Be safe! We love you!

(Pictures to come...)