from the kids’ dad was a pleasant one. After his wife called yesterday morning to talk to me about when the kids could come for a visit, XH called in the evening to say that he was coming this way & that he’d call when he got close (arrived at 4am). He asked if he could spend the first part of today with the kids before driving the 6 hours back. Of course, I said YES! The kids were so excited to wake up & find him sleeping on the couch. I know that’s a bit unorthodox.. but he asked, I said ok b/c I thought making him sleep in his car would be mean & having him pay for a hotel room for 3 or 4 hours was just silly.. so he slept on the couch for a few hours… it worked for us.
He spent the morning & early afternoon with the kids. They had a wonderful time. We decided to meet 1/2 way between our cities on Friday the 29th (oldest daughter’s 12th birthday) for the kids to go home with him for 2 weeks. They’ll get back about 5 days before school starts.
The kids are thrilled. If he doesn’t meet me 1/2 way on that day, I’ll drive them the whole way on Saturday the 30th. Either way, I’ll make sure that they get to go. They deserve to have time with him.
He told me today that his unit is going to Afganistan/Iraq in either September or November.. more than likely November. Their orders seem to keep changing between the 2 dates. He’s been told it’ll be a one year tour.
I know he loves the kids. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at them. I see it when he cries as he leaves them. I hear it in his voice when he speaks to them. I just don’t understand why he doesn’t plan ahead so he can see them more often. Today was the first time they’ve seen him since mid-May. Before that, it was early March.
Granted, that’s a lot more than some kids get to see their dads.. like those who live across the country. But this man lived 1 1/2 hours away for 4 years until last November and now is about 6 hours away.
The kids are excited. The ex and his wife will take them to Sea World.. they get free admission since they’re active duty service members. The kids would have fun even if they didn’t do anything big like that… they’d be happy playing board games, watching movies & going to the park.. the main thing is having TIME with him.. not entertainment.
The kids are happy & are counting the days until their “vacation.” Shhh….. so am I! 
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