"We had some family," She admitted. "Johnny's sister stepped in when she could, but..."

So many months away, and then feeling like a stranger when she was home. No one told her how fast children could grow up and how much could really happen in several months; sometimes it was just easier to focus on her job and trying to keep her family safe.

"It's just the sacrifice and one in the Service would make. We're lucky if we have the time and means for phone calls."