Hope or Death, take your pick

I have to admit, this news about the shortened deployments has me really down. Don't get me wrong, I am so happy for the soldiers and families that will have the 12 months, that is wonderful. I'm just having a little pity party for myself.

I don't know why I let myself get my hopes up. This isn't my first deployment, I'm not all that new to the Army ways. I know how things work. I guess I was counting on him coming home early more than I thought I was.

I kept telling myself, think 15, think 15, then you won't be disappointed. But when that little bug flies in my ear that the rumors are circulating among the "higher ups" that we might possibly have him home for Christmas, well, that hope is just there...period.

I guess that it's good that despite all the times the Army has hit us with disappointing news, the hope is still there. I need that to always be there, even though it comes with the possibility of heartache. If it wasn't there, I'd just be dead inside, and who wants that?