My brother left on his first deployment this February, heading out to sea on the massive USS Boxer. It's huge. Seriously, Google it. While the idea of setting sail and venturing out into the great unknown may at first seem like a very romantic notion, the reality of a deployment is anything but. In the U.S., we frequently use buzzwords like freedom, liberty and justice. Those of us with ties to deployed men and women get a glimpse into the core, the gritty core, of what exactly makes up those words. After eight months of waiting, I've come up with 12 D.E.F.Fs (deployment emotions of friends and family). The military seems to abbreviate everything, don't they?

1. Uncertain

At the beginning, we have no idea what to expect. We don't know the ins and outs of deployment life.

2. Sentimental

When it's been so long since you've seen your loved one, you resort to old photos on your phone or around the house. Chances are you've also stalked their Facebook profile.

3. Proud

As time goes on, you slowly get a better idea of the responsibilities that our loved ones carry. You can't help but picture where they are-- wherever they are-- and smile knowing they're doing Big Things.

4. Frustrated

Mainly at the communication factor. We don't realize how instantaneous our communications have become until they're taken away. Phone calls and emails are privileges.

5. Excited

But speaking of phone calls and emails, there is always that lingering excitement and hope of receiving some form of contact from them. We check emails constantly.

6. Impatient

Some days we are more patient than others. As the months pass by, impatience begins to climb. We've all had that "hurry up already" thought.

7. Nervous

We love them, so we worry. Watching the news or reading a newspaper can be worry triggers. I know I've nervously scanned headlines making sure I can keep my worry level at Kind of Worried and not Super Worried.

8. Irritated

The irritation could be caused by an ignorant remark about the nation's military, a privileged person whining about inconsequential matters, or any number of things.

9. Grateful

We've come to be grateful for all that these men and women do, even if we don't fully understand the scope of it all.

10. Empathetic

Military families, in all their different shapes and forms, understand what other families are going through. Somehow it's comforting to know we aren't the only ones going through this experience.

11. Amazed

On the rare occasion that we receive a photo of their ship, base, company, etc., their deployment becomes more real. Yet as this realness sinks in, a sense of awe rises up. They are doing incredible things.

and last but not least...

12. Joyful

The best emotion of all, joy floods in once they finally return home. That wait, that long long wait, is now over.