May. 21, 2008 at 2:06pm

say hello, goodbye...

(and then it rains.)

It was easier to say bye to The Man this time, but still a sad time for me.

Interestingly, directly after dropping him off, I was able to go to meet the Governor at the VFW post in my 'hood, and I was able to hear about how well Washington is doing in terms of Veterans Programs.  It was an honor to meet her and First Mike, and pretty cool to hear about the work she's done for the state.

I have to agree that Washington's Veterans programs have come a long way, baby, in just the amount of time that I've been cognizant of 'em (as a dependent since 74, a widow as of '91, and now a parent of a dependent, spousal-type of a Vet), but I still want more.

What that would be, specifically? Aside from getting The Man back, I don't know what I'd want.  But I don't want to take him away from what he feels his duty is, to alleviate the burdens on the families who've said 'bye to their service member 3, 4, and more times...   Sure, this will be a sucky time, but the Kid and I are strong, we're a Built-Volvo-Tough family unit.

Even still, the house is quiet, and empty-feeling without him.

(maybe a new pair of shoes will help?  And then, a Meeting of the Council??)