These are the images that sorrounded me a year ago this month. The view of downtown Norfolk from the high in the sky office I worked in with wonderful people. The beautiful colorful trees turning with the autumn weather. Crisp, cool air and breezes were all around. A year ago, I could look out my window and see the ships crossing the Chesapeake Bay. A year ago, I could walk across the street and be at the beach. I could hear the bands play at the oyster bar by the marina behind my condo. This is what sorrounded me a year ago.

A year ago this month, I had already made it through five months of my husband's first deployment and was eagerly awaiting his return. A year ago, I was counting down the days I had before I would see his face. I had already traveled halfway across the world to see him just because I wanted to. A year ago this month, I had been married for nearly ten months and seen my husband for barely four. A year ago, I was wondering if my husband would remember what I was like. A year ago this month, I was still only twenty one.

A year ago, I was preparing for my first Thanksgiving and Christmas ever without my family. A year ago, I had made a friend that would turn out to be one of the best people in my life. Even though we had known each other less than five months, it felt like we had known each other forever. A year ago, I was learning more about life than most all my other years put together. A year ago, I was realizing how important family really is.

A year ago, I was still unaware of what I was really in for as a Navy wife. A year ago, I had no idea how far away Hawaii really was. A year ago, I was wondering what was so great about Mr. Obama. A year ago this month, I had already given at least a hundred flu shots.

A year ago, I was thousands of miles closer to my family. A year ago, I could jump in the car and go home if I had the urge. Fourteen hours by car instead of fourteen hours by plane. A year ago, things were different. A year ago, I had absolutely no idea what lie ahead for us. I made it through a year ago. Seems like just yesterday.