When my sweet friend and editor, Allison, asked me to write this column over a year ago, I said yes immediately. A few days later I thought, 'Oh crap! What have I gotten myself into?'

I am not a writer by trade, but I do like to tell stories. I have to tell you that it has been really fun sharing my stories with you, and, do you know what else? I learned that I really enjoyed writing, especially writing for you, my readers. When you click on my links and favorites and ping my articles with “likes,” on Facebook, it really made my heart happy. Every week I hoped to help you not feel as alone or as frustrated, and hopefully, we laughed together a little bit too. But at the end of the day, all I wanted was for you to know that we are stronger together than we are apart.

But in Army life, we sometimes have to leave the comfort of the place we love to begin again at a new post or in a new phase of life.

Having begun a new job and other new endeavors, it is time for me to say 'See You Soon' to this column. As I write these words, I smile at the songs and memories shared, but just like in Army life, I won't be far away. I hope to stop by and see you occasionally when I am passing through, and I would love for you to visit me on Facebook or Twitter. My sisters-in-arms and I always say, 'See You Soon' because the Army is small and there is a better than good chance that our paths will cross a gain on another post. Our paths will cross again over social media!

But before I drive away into the sunset with a soldier, three kids, a dog and a truck loaded to maximum capacity, I have to thank the Bryant & Stratton and Salute to Spouses family for giving me a chance. Thank you for the creative license to write what was on my heart. You gave me a platform to touch so many military and civilian hearts and for that, I am forever grateful.

Allison, you are a true friend and battle buddy. Phone calls, emails and missed deadlines. You have encouraged and listened. And without you, there would be no me. Thank you for pushing me and helping me lose sight of the shore. I would have never discovered my love for writing without you, and I can't wait to come visit you and share some pizza again. Maybe we can redo your next kitchen together! I am so glad to call you friend!

To you, Sweet Readers, thank you most of all for listening to the Deployment Soundtrack. Thank you for laughing with me and thank you for your encouragement.

Thank you for your Strength and Courage ... sby