I began writing this blog in May 2006. At that time, Michael was on deployment, serving aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He was on back to back sea tours (having transferred from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
In the years between 2000-2010, Michael joined the Navy, graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes IL, has served with 2 sea commands and has completed 6 deployments. His deployments have added up to 36 months (or 3 years) apart from his family. Of course, that calculation does not include the separations we have endured during his duty rotations, air wing work-ups or rotating shift work. For 10 years, this separation schedule has been the model of our family life. God first, duty & country second, family third. We had become accustomed to a life without Michael. Important dates on the calendar were just that...numbers on a page. We learned how to truly appreciate the little things of life, and to not take time for granted. We learned to enjoy the quality of time together, rather than quantity of time together.
Michael is currently on his first shore command, and has received a new set of TAD (temporary assigned duty) orders: he will be a full-time instructor. For the next 12 months, his work schedule will model that of a typical, normal routine. Monday thru Friday regular work hours, nights/weekends/holidays off. We have 12-months to enjoy a normal family life, before he returns to a Prototype crew and his rotating shift work begins again. Sea command rotation will begin in December 2012.
Until then, we have the opportunity as a family to not only enjoy quality time together, but quantity of time together!
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