Coming to visit...Life as a Military Mom

I just got a call from my oldest son. He is in the Navy and is planning to visit at the end of August. It will be his last stop before going to Iraq. I cant imagine what my life will be like once he actually goes. I haven't seen him since Christmas so I am really looking forward to the visit. Even though my food bill will rise, my laundry will increase quite a bit, and life will revolve around him for 2 weeks, it still doesn't change the fact that he is my son and I love and miss him very much. This will be his first time home to a room that is no longer his. I cleaned it out a month ago. He has been gone for 2 1/2 years so I figured it was about time. DBF Michael and I are now living together so it will be an interesting change for Steven. Although, he adapts so well to whatever life throws at him. If I am happy, that makes him happy too. Not only am I his mother, we are also friends. When we chat on the phone, its hard for me to believe I use to change his diapers. I'm hoping life wont be interrupted too much (as there are 3 other people in this house) but if we are going to be a family, there is no time like the present to find out how we cohabitate as a unit. I cant believe they are sending him over seas. We have talked about it for months but somehow I thought this stupid war would be over by now. I'm not going to put a damper on the visit, however, this goodbye will be a little tougher than the past. I just hope and pray that the good Lord watches over my boy and brings him back safe...just in time for his 21st birthday. It sure is tough being a military Mom sometimes. Please keep him in your prayers.