Tough time for Olivia

Lately, Olivia has been having a tough time living with Daddy's long absence. Everyday she asks me where Daddy is and everyday I tell her the same things. She talks about it as much as she is capable of understanding and we encourage any kind of connection she can make with him on a daily basis, whether it is drawing a picture, having Mommy write an email, talking on the phone to Daddy (when he can call at a time she's awake) or just talking about him. And it seems like videos of Daddy make her loss more vivid in her mind and disturb her even more. It still a difficult situation and I'm not sure there is anything else I can do to help her. Right now she's looking forward to his two-week R&R around new year's. I pray that all goes well and he is able to come.

The other day, we were at the mall and she saw a man carrying a little boy about her age. We had just met the couple and I was talking with his wife when Olivia asked him, "Are you my daddy?" She asked it three times before he brought it to our attention and then we explained the situation. It almost brought me (and them) to tears right there because she misses Gary so much. I wish I could make it easier for her. I guess all I can do is be there.

As for Colvin, he's as clingy to mommy as ever. He is generally a happy boy and doesn't seem to be too affected by Gary's deployment, but he shies away from people he doesn't know and even cries with men sometimes. I'm hoping it's a stage he's going through and it will pass. Mommy is hanging in there, too. Exhausted, as usual, but I expect nothing less. Gary asked me what I wanted for my birthday (which is this month) and I told him, "A day off." That would be so nice! Alas, I will have to wait. Gary will have a lot of special days to make up for when he returns, but I will be glad just to have him home again. We pray every night to keep him safe and bring him home soon.

Tomorrow will bring new hope and a new attitude...until then, we just wait.