We dropped off the kids this morning. Each one hugging and kissing their dad, as I kept a fixed smile on my face while feeling my heart leaden. We came home to pack his bag, and gather sundry last minute stuff for his trip. And tonight, after the kids have gone to bed, I will walk around the house, picking up everything he left behind, and praying for his swift return home.

Hopefully, time will fly at the speed of light.