Wisconsin Sucks

I think that was the title of his last FB post. Macade is doing swell. After a short bout of anthrax poisoning, I think he might survive premobilization. He is still very anxious to get going. He and his "brothers" are downloading movies and music like mad men. I guess that and video games are the only things to do during down time.
Much to my dismay, Cade qualified on Monday to shoot the big 50 caliber gun. This means he will be one of 7 guys arming that hefty piece of weaponry. I still can't figure out how a 98 lb kid can handle a big gun like that. You have to sit with it between your legs to even get a round off. PS. I told him to accidentally shoot someone in the knee or something so he doesn't qualify to shoot any other big nasty guns. I don't like it a bit.
Sterling leaves tomorrow morning to go hang with him in the field. I am pretty sure they don't make a helmet big enough for him, but I told Cade to take photos for sure. It's a pretty quick trip, but I hope it's great for both of them. I was a little bummed at first that I wouldn't get to go, but one farewell is more than enough for me.
Oh and I got his address for the time being.
PFC Moore, Macade
118th Sapper Co
1868 Regimental Ave
Fort McCoy Wisconsin 54656
He loves letters. Right now he only have email access on his phone, so until he deploys, it might be easiest to write him letters. We are guessing mid August on him leaving.
Thanks to all our friends and family! He has a great foundation!

Touch down in 10 hours

Our hearts are breaking today with sending Macade on his way. I just can't believe this nightmare is actually happening. For some strange reason, I thought it might never happen. We are struggling horribly with this and hoping the pain will ease soon. Knowing that he is still here in the states for a while is helpful, but the knowledge of where he is going is excruciating!
We took him to dinner last night and it was really nice to spend just a little bit of time with him before saying goodbye. I felt like I did OK for him. He was strong too. His brothers are OK but I know it is on their minds also. His dad has the knowledge that he will see him again in a couple of weeks, but we did lean on each other quite a bit last night.
He called this morning from the airport where is is sitting until... right now actually. Then he has to lay over in Dallas forever. He won't even make it to Wisconsin until 10 o'clock tonight.
He still was anxious to get this going. Heaven help his Battle Buddy until they actually leave the country!

Countdown to Wisconsin

So Macade found out on Saturday that he is in an advance party to Wisconsin. This means after all our prep for him to leave this Friday, he is leaving tomorrow. No excitement or speeches, just getting on a jet and leaving very early. I will still be going up to the actual departure of the rest of his unit just to stay involved with them, but it certainly won't be as neat.
He said his goodbyes to family and friends last night and I couldn't help but cry myself to sleep as I thought about my nephew, Braiden. I feel worse for him today than I feel for myself. He will be leaving on his mission before Cade comes home and it will be at least 3 years before they will see each other again. It is very difficult to comprehend.
Macade was more than ready to get going. I have heard that just before a deployment, our soldiers can get a little beastly. This being said, I am glad the day is finally here.
He promised to send me pictures ASAP. So, I will be posting as I get them. Sterling also purchased a laptop with built in camera for me to Skype with him, so that will be great.
So, just feeling run down today. Can't seem to find any energy to do anything. I am sure it will be better soon. Thanks to you all for your prayers and support of Macade. Our whole family appreciates it.

Getting closer now

Unbelievable how time flies. Just a few weeks ago I was wondering how we would keep Cade busy til go time. Now it's mere days away. I am beginning to feel that tightness in my chest.
Cade is so ready to go. He is sick of the anticipation. He is sick of everyone being so negative about the Army life. He just wants to get to work. It will be different for all of us, but we are proud. We love Macade.