Sniper's Deployment Part 2

Tuesday at 0530 mom and I roll out of town towards Camp Pendleton. I really enjoyed this time with my mom. For many year's we haven't done anything like this unless it included my dad and kids. For awhile we were stopping about hour and a half for potty breaks. I need coffee to function and had almost a pot before we left and a few more on the way. I was starting to get a little upset with having to stop. We took lots of pics of her and I along the way. We arrived in Southern Cali about 1315 (1:15pm). We made pretty good time. Sniper was still out running last minute errands for his deployment. Wingman and I checked my mom into her hotel room and left. This was my mom's choice. She wanted a nap and to scrapbook the afternoon away until dinner with all of us. Wingman and I had over to the local bar. Sniper and Wingman are regulars here. Remember the show "Cheers." This bar is just like that with the exception of it's mostly a Marine Corps Bar. Current and lots of Vets, including some from WWII. I have been with them before and it is a great place. We ordered a drink and a Retired MGySgt bought the round. He knew who we both are. Sniper is one of his favorite's. We ended up drinking a few and played some pool. Yep, I was already feeling the effects of the alcohol. 1700 (5:00pm) Sniper called and was on his way back to Wingman's house. It was so good to see him. We when walked in the house it looked like a bomb off. Gear strung from oneside to the other. Sniper left, Wingman right I didn't think one man could own so much. Yep, he hadn't packed anything yet. I knew we would be in for a very long night. We started separating his gear into piles. Storage, going with me and going with him. We kept up the pace for a few hours and then it was time to call mom for dinner. Sniper, Wingman and I picked up my mom and went out to dinner. We had a very nice time. With the exception of Sniper's phone ringing every 15 minutes. Damn I hate that thing. It's not like he couldn't not answer it, it was always one of his Marines. During dinner my phone rang and I answered it. Now, I normally wouldn't do this considering my two of my important family members were sitting with me, but something told me to answer it. It was Sniper's mom. She was at home and having a hard time. She gave me her "orders" as to what she wanted me to do. Remember to take lots of pictures. Give him lots of kisses and tell him I love him. Now, for his mom to call, I thought we both would fall over. This is something very new to the both of us. Sniper became worried, but I told him she was fine. We hung up. During the time I was on the phone, Sniper told my mom, when he comes back he is going to marry me. Damn, I missed that conversation. After dinner, we dropped my mom off. Stopped by another friends house, Red, to say goodbye. She has been a great friend to all of us. We told each other we would keep in touch. I will be back down in a few weeks (I have to pick up Sniper's truck). Decided to head back to the bar, for a last drink. We ended up staying there for a few hours (still have to finish packing). The MGySgt was still there, and bought us a few more rounds. They shared more stories with me. Also, MGySgt has Sniper's sword and they will use it next year for the birthday ball cake in his honor. (I will have to come back for this). Arrived at Wingman's house about 2200 to finish packing. It took up until the last minute to have it accomplished. Damn that man takes a lot of gear with him. 5 boxes were left behind to ship to him of just his personal stuff. The gear he took, was lots of extras in case any of his men doesn't have it and just in case gear. We started to get worried that all his gear wasn't going to go with him. They have a 400lb weight limit and that includes Sniper as well. He had to be on deck at 0430. (We went the whole night with no sleep. Now I maybe a rookie, and them's professionals, but I kept up with them.) 0300, I got in the shower to get cleaned up and pretty for him (I wanted him to remember me looking cute and not...... well, shitty looking). The 3 of us rotated through showers. Up to this point, I held up real well. No crying, no being emotional. I could see him already distancing himself as a man into the Marine mood. The little touches from him weren't there. I was ok with it. He was leaving and I knew this was hard for him. I stood by his side, letting him know I was there for him and that's all that count. He asked me one more time if I was up to seeing the "Marine" side of him. Yep!!!! I know the man you are inside and that's all that counts. 0400 and pulled the last of the stuff out of the dryer and threw it into his seabag. Loaded up and off we went. Read "Sniper's Last Leg of his Deployment" to hear (read) the end. dyzgoneby Go here to read Sniper's Deployment Part 1 to hear the beginning.