...and it will drive you insane. Now I not only feel insane but betrayed.
In 2002 my son was sent to Afganistan for only four months. I didn't worry too much because I thought the cause was just. I supported him then and I support him now.
Fast forward to March 2003 and he was sent on his 1st tour in Iraq - again - this time for a year, we THOUGHT the cause was just and although I worried my resolve was steady. I supported him then and I support him now.
Fast forward again to October 2005 and he was sent on his 2nd tour in Iraq - this time I knew I had been lied to. Even worse - he knew he had been lied to and betrayed. That year was pure hell. Still - we're lucky because he came home whole - other families were not so lucky. I supported him then and I support him now. I support him in the realization that he is risking his life for a government that doesn't give a damn about him or his fellow soldiers and Marines. NOT ONE DAMN!
The next tour is already scheduled. I'm petrified every minute that I'm going to get a phone call that his tour has been moved up. You see, my hell did not end when he came home. The hell will continue until every soldier and Marine is home from this pack of lies. I will support him then and I always will. I'm counting the days until he can retire - because he will never let down his team and one day it may cost him his life. For a lie and a betrayal.
Welcome to Hell.