trying to grok

I would call this the agony of the known. You knew what he was getting into, long before the rain started. And now every time you look out your window, you can see the conditions tormenting him. They are concrete, whereas the Middle East was abstract. We're still cavepeople who are more moved by what we see with our own eyes. We can close them, but we can't forget ... especially not when we feel cold ... and when you knit things that will keep others warm.

I hope thoughts of you are keeping him warm.

That is the thing about worry, it makes things worse. Now you must imagine him as strong and capable and taking care of the situation and I hope that is working well for him. Just keep thinking, he is prepared, he knows what to do. He can handle this. And yes, it is by far, worse than what you are going through but it will be over and he knows when that will be.

I haven't been here, but I can relate what you're saying to other places I have been--and I'm very sorry. Wish there was something better than that to say. . . .

He has chosen this to make him stronger - and it will. Even as you are sad, I know you are simultaneously proud as you should be. I hope he never needs to use what he learns there, but if he does, it will have been time and effort well spent.
With all the craziness happening in the world, politics, and economics, it encourages me to think of the two of you as part of our next generation.

Hang in there Sarah.

Thank goodness I was rather oblivious when flyboy went years ago, but the wondering and waiting does bite. big time. I know remembering that this makes him a tougher warrior doesnt help right at this moment but I betcha when he comes home he's going to remember it pretty fondly. At some point... maybe not right away!

Aw heck... it'll give him great stories to tell and quite honestly, they're not going to let him have an untimely demise.

Me... I'm bad. I'd be snuggled up under extra blankets and would later tell him I kept EXTRA warm for him ;)

I don't know . . . Probably all I could think about (if I were in your situation, and my husband being who he is) is that my husband might possibly complain about the cold, want to kill and eat anything that moves, and would be at risk for a nasty bout of bronchitis – but he would love every last minute of it, and wouldn't trade it for an easy day under a blanket for ANYTHING. I could hardly feel sorry for him, since he would have made that choice himself, and I know he would be having fun, no matter how nasty the weather. :)

Don't know if that would help – I don't really know your husband. But he sounds like the high-speed, hooah type, and it seems he would also dig having to survive in real elements, as opposed to something as easy as temperate days and cloudless nights.