Pre-Deployment

This week it has started. We have a long list of Pre-Deployment stuff that we need to get done. There are the paper work things like a Power of Attorney. Every time he deploys we must get a new one. This week we also had to get new ID cards because they will expire while Darrick is gone. There are practical things to think about like getting the brakes done on the van and fixing things around the house.

Today we attended our Pre-Deployment Brief. In the past when Darrick has deployed on a ship, it is a big meeting for all of the families to attend. But since Darrick is being sent on an IA it was just us at the meeting. They make sure we are covering all the bases and getting things taken care of before Darrick leaves. They are also a support system for me while Darrick is deployed. We had to meet with two different people. One was the more practical stuff and the other was the more emotional stuff and they gave us a lot of info on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...is that supposed to be comforting to me as we prepare for him to leave?!?

But we do appreciate what they gave the kids. They are called "Daddy Dolls". The point is to slide a picture of Darrick's face in the little window and then the kids can have Daddy with them.

Last night we watched a movie we got from Netflix called "Inside Guantanamo". It is a 2009 documentary that "chronicles the daily routines of captives and guards". It was very interesting and if you want to find out more what it will be like for Darrick over the next year, I highly recommend that you watch it.