Having Horatio home for several days was great. The boys really loved having him home. Our 10 year old expressed concern, though. He wanted to know if it was going to be as hard when his Dad left this time as it was when he left in December.
I told him I didn’t think it would be, because the first time was so hard on everyone, knowing it would be so long a separation. I asked him what he thought and he agreed. He also said it would be better if the boys did not go to the airport this time. The dramatic goodbye at the airport was traumatic for everyone and I would not recommend saying goodbye this way. Keeping it casual is a much better plan.
Live and learn.
We were right. The boys said goodbye to Horatio on Tuesday morning, as they left for school. Horatio kept it together until the door closed. It was very hard for him, but this way worked much better for the boys.
It was hardest on Harold. At three years old, he does not understand. He just stomped his foot and yelled, “NO. You don’t go. You stay here!” Arms folded across his chest, furrowed brow. I will never forget it. Horatio explained how important it was for him to go back. He said he will always be thinking of us all back home, but he has to go do his job.
The boys are doing ok now. They ask about Japan a lot. They are proud that their Dad is playing such an important role in the help the U.S. is lending there.
Three year old Harold told his friend, “My Dad is back on the big ship. He had to go help rescue people. They hurt their knees.” 
The Deployment Diatribes 