"I have some news..."

That's right, folks.

         I got a video call from Anthony this past Friday. I love getting surprise skype calls from my sailor. He looked particularly happy this time around too. He hadn't had any trace of happiness on his face for the past few weeks, with the exception of the occasional laugh I would induce. I knew he had an important meeting with the psychiatrist earlier that Friday. That meeting would determine whether or not he stayed in the Nuke program. He told me before that if "I tell them I'm sad" then they will let him out. We were both conflicted if leaving the program was best. Over time, it became apparent that the if he stayed in there was a chance he wouldn't come home in one piece, if any at all. He was so unhappy and so depressed, and any other word you could use to describe the incredible sadness. He even had the displeasure of having two sailors that he knew "leave", so to speak. He could see what was happening to those two sailors, and to all the other troubled sailors. He struggled with the teaching methods and just couldn't get used to the lifestyle. In Anthony's mind it was all counter-productive and he couldn't find a good reason to stay. So he told them he was sad. 
         Just like that he's out of the program. Well, almost. He's now waiting on word from his superiors as to what happens next. The last I heard he was still attending class until they tell him otherwise. He is happier now that he doesn't need to stress about classes, though he does still need to do all the work. That doesn't make much sense to make him attend class and hand in work when he won't be in the program anymore. Regardless, it must be such a huge relief for him. He still doesn't like that he has to stay up late doing watch almost every night, either. I assume the next step would be to get in line for deployment. What that entails I have no idea. I hope they don't move him off the east coast. I would love if they sent him to Virginia. He could actually come home once in awhile! That would be so nice. I am still worried about what will happen once they do figure out where to put my sailor. There is so much that is still unknown.
            We have had so many conversation about life, about whats important, about the government and the public, and the like. He have gone on for hours going back and forth with good views and input. We try so hard to figure out life, whats reasonable and outlandish, what direction is wise and which is foolish. We treasure intelligent conversation and I think it plays a part in keeping us both sane. It is a constant reminder of the values we hold dear and how we view life. It also further strengthens our relationship. He has told me more than once that if it wasn't for me he might have ended up like those two poor sailors. I pray that we can continue to keep each other strong through this type of conversation. It might be our only hope for sanity and survival.