My sister, Katherine and my niece and nephew started their long journey back to California yesterday. My brother-in-law, Steve, is in the Army and they are currently stationed in southern California. Last week Steve was informed that he will have to spend a year in Kuwait and will be leaving for training in September. This was very unexpected news and threw my sister into a flurry of planning what will happen to her family for the next year and a half or so. She spent her last days in Wisconsin house hunting and made an offer on a home nearby just before leaving. We have not heard from her yet today but I am hoping that she gets good news. Her grace upon hearing from Steve about his deployment was quite admirable. She stayed very calm and strong while on the phone with him and in front of her children. It was amazing to see my little sister holding herself and her family together in a situation that would probably have me hiding in bed a blubbery mess.
House offer accepted or not, Katherine and her children will be moving back to the area just prior to the start of the school year. I wish that it were under circumstances that did not require Steve to be sent to the Middle East, but it will be a nice change of pace to have my sister a short bike or car ride away for a little while. Hopefully I can help to keep her positive and focused or distracted depending on her needs while Steve is away. Although, if the last week is any indicator of her coping abilities, she would fare just as well without my intervention.
Here is my first of many shouts out to Steve for a safe trip and speedy return.
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