The soldier on the sidelines

Today the soldiers in my unit have made it to their MOB station at Ft. McCoy. As much as I could do without the -17 weather, I can't help but feel left out as I sit here in the living room watching Alexei play with the school bus he got for Christmas. I can't decide if I should feel selfish for even having the opportunity to watch him grow for a year, or if I should feel guilty for not being able to fight alongside my friends. Yet somehow I even feel as though I lost out on an incredible opportunity to share in their stories and experiences, to be with them and support them there instead of from at home.
Of course all the civilians think I'm crazy for wanting to go, especially with a 16 month at home, but how is that different from any other soldier overseas? Surely I'm not the only person with a family, in fact females have one thing going for them, there is no possible way they can miss their babies being born! Ah well, for now maybe I should start my own home battles, such as tackling the kitchen.