Girls,
Last Thursday I got a call at work to deploy for Hurricane Harvey. When I received the call I had to be in College Station within 2 hours. This did not leave any time to come say good bye or explain what was going on. I quickly realized that I had not prepared you girls for the potential deployment. I am new on the team and honestly it never crossed my mind that I'd be sent. Both of you girls really struggled with it but Maryn took it the hardest. Saying good bye is very important in our family and you had a really hard time because we were not able to say good-bye. I got the picture below the first night of the deployment and it really made me reflect on my choices as a firefighter and Dad.
Maryn, a few days later you were having a tough day at school and your teacher tried to reason with you by explaining how many people your Daddy was helping but you told her, "I don't care about that anymore. I am tired of everyone saying that. I just want my Daddy home."
This was really tough to hear but it is so truthful. It is unfair for me or anyone to think you should understand this as a 7 year old or to justify it in this way. This was a reminder I needed. It doesn't matter what I do in the world. What's most important is that I am there for my family.
Luckily I was in College Station for the weekend and you were able to come visit. I think this really helped you girls understand what was going on and that I am ok.
This deployment has been tough on our family but it has helped me realize how insignificant I am in the world of the fire department. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks out of the office and nothing has changed. The wheels keep turning with or without me.
This deployment is wrapping up and I hope to be home tomorrow or Friday. I can't explain that to your girls until I'm on the road home because it is constantly changing. Some are headed to Puerto Rico tomorrow and others to Georgia. I can't wait to be home my loves.
