Although deployment is an inevitable part of being in a military family, this long-term separation is something no one looks forward to. 

My dad is in the Air Force and he’s about to be deployed for the third time. Of course, this doesn’t include the time away he’s spent training for these deployments in various locations. 

The first time he was deployed for only six months, and the second time he was gone for a year. 

I know a lot of families have had it worse than mine, but it’s still something my family has struggled with. 

It’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed when someone you love is so far away. 

I remember the first time my dad was deployed when I was in third grade. There was a club I was a part of that supported kids with deployed parents — I went to a Department of Defense school in Germany. 

It was nice to feel connected to my classmates over something we were all going through. 

Technology has influenced the way people deal with separation. FaceTime and Skype are so cool to me, and they definitely make a difference when speaking to someone far away. 

I’m glad my dad is serving our country. I’m super proud of him. 

I think the main thing I have to remember in the coming months — when my dad deploys again — is that it’s not forever. 

And there’s nothing that can compare to that homecoming hug at the airport. It really is like all the YouTube videos.