nothing is forever

I don't think I've ever really had a problem with leaving home. I mean I love being at home, sure, and I miss it a lot when I'm bored, but I never understand why people get homesick. Or why people do silly things like depression and suicide. But I digress.

I was doubtful at the start of this deployment, cuz it could very well be the longest time I've ever been away from home. But four months into it (or six if you count training), I still have no plans for seeing the psychiatrist.

One of my friends—and I greatly appreciate her support—sent me holiday wishes by saying "Try to enjoy; I know how hard it is, being away from home." I thought it was a strange message, and had to tell her honestly that no, it's not that hard.

I wonder if it's an issue of security, this homesickness. Anxiety from leaving unsettled things behind, fear that the world is going to pass you by? My friend who had been to Iraq a few years before me told me that being away from home was actually the most distressing psychological factor for him (But during that time his wife also had birth complications while having their second daughter, so I guess it's fair to say that he had a lot more at stake than I do). Another one of my friends, he confessed to me that the only reason he would never even join the service is because he can't bear to be away from family and friends. But this dude wasn't tied down by any wives or kids.

I mean, you make new family and new friends and memories wherever you go, don't you? Being overseas, time away from home, it's just time to spend with new people you grow closer to. All those things you get homesick about will still be there when you come back (for the most part). Those dudes from home will still be there, all those hangouts and vacations, all those exams and job searches and responsibilities will still be there in abundance as well.

Or maybe it's actually an issue of love. Maybe I just don't care enough about my family and friends and other stuff at home. Blah.