Home fires burning

I know this has nothing to do with physical fitness, but I'm posting anyway.

Jake left yesterday to go to Qatar, where he'll be stationed for the next two months. He's in the Air National Guard and makes the trip about once a year. This is his third time going over since we've been together. You'd think it would get easier, but it doesn't. It gets harder.

For those without a handy locator map, Qatar is right across the pond from Iraq. The base there is one of the closest jumping-off points you can get to Iraq, and its role is to service and care for the planes and people who's job it is to actually go fight in Iraq. Qatar is not currently a war-zone, but it's still too damn close for comfort.

I know everyone has strong opinions about the war, as I myself do. But regardless of whether or not you support the president's efforts, it's just the humane thing to do to care and pray (in whatever way you choose) for the troops stationed over there.

Speaking form experience, it's very hard to keep a sane mind when the war is changing every month and you have a loved one over there. Sure Qatar is safe now, but will it be in two weeks? two months? The hardest part of Jake being gone is the emotional aspect. Knowing his safety is out of my control, and knowing I can't just call him if I need him.

He's supposed to be home by Christmas, so pray to Buddha, Allah, Jesus, Jehovah, the Dalai Lama or even to the sun god that he stays safe and makes a quick trip home. I'd really like for him to be home for Christmas.