A note to the wives

Can you believe I wish I had more time in Afghanistan?

I can't.. but it's actually how I feel.

I've found some great stories, but find myself wishing I could get them all done- then go out and get more.

However, after two weeks that feels like two months, I am dying to get home to Chicago and my wife.

I honestly can't believe she let me do this- and frankly, when I get back and share a few details with her -some stuff I haven't shared yet- she may not do it again.

I'll chance it. A friend over here who's been doing this a long time says, "Always tell your wife everything." Sounds like a good policy.

We've only been married since November- and while she knew I'd been to Iraq and liked to do stuff like this- I couldn't have blamed her had she been less than supportive.. but she's supported me 100%.

Who gets to have a life like this and a wife like that?

Me- that's who. I don't take it for granted.

So, Sus- I'll see you soon.

This note is for the rest of the wives.. who won't have their husbands home quite so quickly.

Many of you have written-in via email or the comments section of this blog. You know that I've been talking to your husbands about what they're doing in Afghanistan.

What you don't know is that I've also been hearing a lot about you. I'll ask a question about the work or the conditions or the mission and the conversation inevitably comes around to the wives left to deal with the kids and the bills..the parents left to wait and worry..or the three-year-old daughter who wants to know who she has to call so her Daddy can come home.

I've heard story after story like that. I've seen your pictures, and tough guys loaded down with guns and body armor have shared some extremely personal thoughts that are all about you.

If your husband, father, son or daughter is called to serve their nation, is your sacrifice any less real? When they are called- is your calling any less important?

It may feel like it sometimes, but it's not- and the soldiers know it.

Because you fight your own battle, don't you? And while the war at home is so much different from the war here- it can be the tougher of the two. Not knowing can be the hardest part for the ones left behind- and they know that, too.

So, just as many of you have asked through my blog that I thank the troops- many of the troops have asked me to thank you.. and to tell their wives and girlfriends, parents, sons and daughters that if you feel like you're forgotten sometimes, you're not. And if you feel like your sacrifices aren't appreciated- please know that they are.

I'm coming home. And, God willing, so are they.