Same here. I try to distract myself at work also but I've found the distractions have an expiration date sometimes and the mind wondering creeps into my work.
Glad to hear you W is initiating communication. Sounds like going dark is having some positive effects. Also good move on not discussing your W with the MIL. It would be easy to get into trouble there...
Me:28, first M H: 33, second M Married: 08/08 Bomb: 10/08 H filed D and deployed: 12/08 Served: 04/09 I deploy: 07/09 Hearing date: 08/09