To My Husband, On Father's Day

Dear Jesse,

Happy Father's Day, love! I so wish that Hunter and I could celebrate with you today. You are such a wonderful and loving father. And you deserve nothing less than to be celebrated today for all your dedication.

I know that when we talked last night, you mentioned that you just don't feel like as much as a father when you are gone and that it's just not right. I understand that you are struggling with how it's not natural for families to be apart for months on end. You are right, it is not how most people have to live their lives as a family. But we are not victims, we are a strong and proud family. Yes, we have to deal with some unique circumstances, but in the end it truly only makes us stronger.

You might not be here every morning to get Hunter up and to give him his nightly bath. But, you are showing him what a hero is. Maybe most dad's get to show their kids love in their daily routines with them, but you get the less common blessing of showing Hunter what it means to sacrifice for your country. One day he will understand that you played a part in protecting our freedom and safety and he will be so proud of who are are and what you have done.

Hunter misses you and you are very much on his mind during this deployment. He looks at pictures of you everyday and shouts out "Daddy!". He just figured out how to press the button in his build-a-bear, so that he can hear your voice whenever he wants. Every time we open the garage door and he sees the truck in there, he gets excited and says "Daddy's truck!". Right before he goes to bed, we say our prayers and he repeats "God bwess daddy, thank you cheesus (Jesus)", Even at his young age, he knows, remembers, and misses you.

We love you and could not feel more honored to be able to support what you are doing. Hunter and I cannot wait until you are home again. Thank you for being our hero.