In the second part of her diary, Meg describes how military families cope

Well the talking has ended and action has now begun.

Some wives welcome company and support, while others take time out to reflect in private what might be to come.

For others it has been time to say farewell as even more personnel are deployed.

Nicknames and special messages

We all know that for a time there will be little communication. The wives know that the communication links will be back as soon as possible.

In the meantime, they will continue to write letters, which they will number so that the guys know in which order they are to be read.

They will also send requests out to their husbands via the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

Some of the girls did this today and how they smiled as they fondly typed in nicknames and special messages.

Children coping

With all the media coverage and graphic pictures on the television, it is obvious that some of the children will get worried and start to question what might happen to daddy or mummy. This can be very upsetting, but it has to be dealt with.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of experience amongst the families and help is always forthcoming.

We are also fortunate that a range of questions that children frequently ask about war and the suggested answers are readily available from our RAFCOM link.

Support in this area is definitely getting better, but as a parent it is still one of the hardest things to deal with.

Dealing with things

As most wives will know, something always happens when our husbands are away. Usually it is a mechanical breakdown, but sometimes it is more serious.

My cat Murphy crawled into the house, this morning, obviously very sick. He was shivering and shaky and then fitted. I have taken him to the vets and will know later if he will pull through.

As always life goes on for those left at home and we have to deal with it. My heart is very sad.

Chemical fears

I cannot remember much talk of chemical warfare during the last Gulf War. I am trying hard not to think about this at the moment. It just does not seem real to me.

I do not like to see the gas masks. I don't like to see the bombs going off either. No one wants to hear of innocent casualties, but we must support and have trust in our government in the decisions that have had to be taken.

Pride and fear

As the push for Baghdad approaches, nothing is more important than getting behind our troops 100% and letting them know that they are the best in the world.

Whether they be on land, sea or in the air, we are tremendously proud of them and we just want this to be over as quickly as possible and for them to come home safe.

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received

He was born on Veterans Day, 11/11/69. He joined the Navy at 19 to make money to go to college. He helped to rescue citizens from Liberia and take them to safety in Sierra Leone. He came home and went to college. He re-entered the Navy. He served in the Afghanistan conflict. Now he is in the Persian Gulf again. He comes from a proud heritage. He was always my hero. He had to be. I was a divorced single mom, quite young, and so was he. I am proud of my one son. We want the world to have the same justice, mercy, and liberty that we have, AND we are willing to fight for their rights. Love, a mom.
Sharon, USA

Families and friends of those servicemen and women now risking their lives in the Gulf should know that the great majority of the British people care deeply about all our people out there, and have nothing but respect and admiration for the tasks they are performing in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances.
Pam Burn, UK

Peace be with you all James A, England

I give my moral support to the families, friends and relatives of the troops and I hope they come back safe. I understand that they are in a chain of command and must follow orders. Peace be with you all.
James A, England

My brother is a military police officer in the desert and I would like to say my family are missing him terribly and have BBC News 24 on every hour of the day. I want to give my support to all the Brits and Americans over there and express my sadness for the marines who lost their lives in the terrible accidents.
Leanne Ford, Leeds, England

Please relay my utmost condolences to the families of the British servicemen killed during the helicopter accidents.
Joseph R, Arias, USA

My late husband was a veteran of the Canadian Forces (CFMS). I know what it like to be an army wife, and how we cope at home in the face of adversity. Good wishes to the families and my heartfelt thanks and support to all the men and women who serve. God Bless and protect you all.
Mary Black, Canada

They need to know that the people are behind them and that their families back home feel have the support from the public Abi Parry-Williams, England

My boyfriend is serving with the Royal Navy in the Gulf and the tragic accidents so far have made the truth about war very real. In the last gulf war, I was quite young and it meant nothing as I didn't understand and didn't have anyone there. I am desperately trying to push the message to the British public to stand behind our forces, even if they don't support war. They are already there and stuck with it now, and they need to know that the people are behind them and that their families back home feel have the support from the public.
Abi Parry-Williams, England

Meg, you are a big strength for men, women, and children of all the soldiers who are involved in the war with Iraq. I thank you very much. My husband is active duty military - a pilot. He will be deployed soon - very soon. It pains me to see people in political and celebrity positions protest against what is happening. They have a right to their opinion but don't they realise that it hurts the morale of the soldiers who are fighting for our country, all countries and their families? Keep your chin up - I will.....too! Much love from ALL OF US that are in the same boat!!
PJ, USA

I am trying to remain positive Paula Wilson, UK

I have seen on the news that my husband's artillery regiment are on the front line and are under fire (although there isn't much resistance). I am frightened for him but I know he is a fantastic soldier and is the best he can be at his job as a Gun No.1. I am trying to remain positive and think about all the nice things we will do when he comes home. It isn't easy but none of us are alone. The whole country is thinking of our lads (and girls) and that helps.
Paula Wilson, UK

Dear Meg, my thoughts and support are with you as this is also a matter close to the hearts of me and my family. My big brother is a Flight Lieutenant in 47 Squadron and has been in the Gulf since Feb 5th. We don't know where he is or what he is doing but we listen and pray every day for his safe return. I just wish the rest of Britain would show these brave men and woman the support they deserve.
Laura McDonald, UK

We were saddened to hear of the deaths of your soldiers in the helicopter crash today in the war. We all hope for a quick end to this war. Please accept our condolences and pass them on to the families of these brave men, we will never forget their sacrifices.
Michael J. Perry, USA

Support each other Sue Fielding, USA

I was teaching in an Aldershot School in December 1990 and all through the Gulf War. At least 30 of my 36 kids had Dads in the conflict. There was a lot of talk about chemical weapons. All the Mums were terrified of the thought that their husbands would be gassed etc. It did not happen. I very clearly remember the stress and the tears of the soldiers' children and wives. It was an emotional time for all back home. Support each other.
Sue Fielding, USA

I just want to send my support to all the troops and their families. My own loved one is in the Royal Artillery and was sent to Kuwait in late Feb. I hope for the safety of all the troops as well as my muppet.
Jessica, USA

Please let all the British forces know that our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. As someone only a few generations removed from the UK, I want to convey the feeling of pride I have in the British forces. They are second to none in the world!! (Members of my family have been part of those forces). God Be With ALL.
Margaret Ramsay, USA