The hardest goodbye isn't forever

I thought I was prepared for this day. I wasn’t. None of them have ever known a day without Andre. 🥺 Watching my oldest son leave to serve his country was one of the proudest moments of my life, but also one of the hardest. What broke me wasn’t the suitcase or the goodbye at the door—it was watching him hug each of his brothers and sisters one by one. My daughter whispered, “It feels like someone died.” The younger kids couldn’t stop crying as they watched their big brother pack his bags. In that moment, our home changed. For the first time, there wasn’t going to be five siblings laughing down the hallway, arguing over snacks, or piling onto the couch together. There would be four. I’m incredibly proud of the man you’ve become and the path you’ve chosen. Your siblings will count down every day until you’re back home, and so will I. Until then, we’ll keep cheering you on, praying over you, and loving you from every mile away. We love you, Andre. Come home safe. 🇺🇸❤️ #military #son #family #iloveyou