I found this on the computer when i openned it this morning. My husband/nuke is stressed beyond belief and this is totally not him. We have "You should reenlist" coming in all directions, from the navy, from family. Everyone thinks it's a good idea and not sure why we are hesitant. Sacrifice isn't the same for everyone. Suffering in some sense comes with the job. Not saying that people aren't made for this job, but everyone has to put something on the back burner to live this life. Typically it's family that suffers. You are frustrated your kids don't call, my kids are upset daddy is never home. But meanwhile they say "you should stay in" " 10 more years and you will get a pension"...

Please. Think before you speak. It effects people and may be putting more of a strain then you think. These big decisions effect their whole lives in more than just positive ways. Trust me. They know they can get that pension, but they also see what they are missing, and a part of it is probably the relationship they had with you.

Don't call and say call me back. Call and say you love them, you are proud, they doing great. Don't make them feel guilty that they just can't manage it right now. I'm a mom too, I feel you. Just realize you could be inevertently pushing them away. They have way more than they should on their plates.

Please don't take this the wrong way. Not everyone does this, I've been guilty more times then I can count. Just a reminder to hug your sailor, if not in person then virtually.