Anthony, Anthony, Anthony!!! STOP IT!!!!!!! You still are the father of your 3 children. You always will be. You can still have a wonderful relationship with them. Yes, it will take work. Yes, you can do it.
STOP CALLING YOUR WIFE! Give her some time to think about what she is doing. Pretend you don't care. Detach from the hurtful situation you are in now.
Try to do something positive. Look for those trinkets to take back to your children. Collect some arabic coins. Is there some place you can shop for some exoctic things? Can you buy the head coverings that the men wear? They can be used for doll blankets for your girls. The kids will like something just with the arabic writing on it. Maybe you can't do local shopping. Can you get someone there to take pictures of you next to something interesting.....a lizard, a camel, an unusual house. Do 3 different shots for each of your kids. Then write stories about your time there. They are too young to appreciate the stories now, but in the future they will think it's really cool that their father was in Iraq. How fun it will be to have some treasures they can take to school for show and tell.
Try to make something positive about your last month there.
Don't call your wife! That will surprise her I believe. Give her time to think without you begging, crying, etc.
I bet you are tired of hearing this, but YOU need to LEARN TO LIKE ANTHONY! You are a brave soldier and a proud father. Start thinking like that!!!!!!!!!!
Rephrase that to say it's time to give her some space. Who knows, she might change her mind before the 30 days are over. It also gives you some time to feel better about yourself--with or without her.
Have you heard others talk about "going dark"? It will be a change for you--a 180! Just give it a try.
