<p>Hey CCers,
I just found out today that my step dad leaves for Iraq on January 15. I didn't think it would be that much of a shock to me, but all of a sudden I'm terrified. He just got back from Columbia about a year ago and my mom was heartbroken then. I guess I'm just asking for advice on how to help my mom, and if anyone has family in the war, how do you cope with it.
Thanks</p>
<p>I'm sorry. I don't have any advice, but this is obviously very hard for you and your family. Best wishes to you all.</p>
<p>That is terrible...I'm so sorry. I'm afraid I probably don't have any good advice because I have never been in this situation, but I guess the only thing you can do is have faith and hope that he comes back safely. It must be just as hard on your dad as it is on you guys so I guess just make sure you all understand each other. Best wishes to all of you.</p>
<p>I'm sorry to hear that. I have been part of a military family my whole life (my father is career Army), so I know what you are going through. Just do what you did when your Dad was in Columbia- step up, take some responsibility, and keep praying. You'll be fine.</p>
<p>Thank you very much.</p>
<p>I wish you the best of luck, I will keep your family in my prayers.
<3</p>
<p>Ahh I know what you're going through, too. My dad's in the Air Force and he left for Iraq in August and won't be back until April. </p>
<p>It hasn't come as much of a shock to me though because he was always deployed on TDYs. His overall deployment rate is a little over 50% and he's been in the Air Force for almost 20 years. So I just got used to it, I guess.</p>
<p>Just keep yourself busy and try doing things together with your mom to take her mind off it.</p>
<p>Build personal strength and plan for the future. Get you mom involved in something.....anything. The worst thing she can do is focus on her lonliness and worry. Build personal independence.</p>
<p>my cousin left for baghdad and that area the november after september 11th, so i can definitely empathize.</p>
<p>be strong
it's going to be hard, but you can do it.</p>