Mark Sypher

Editorial: Stories: Goodbye, For Now

Goodbye, For Now follows Clarissa and her husband PFC. Rusty Fleming on the days prior to his departure for Afghanistan.

The smell of cinnamon buns cooling in the oven lures a cat into the kitchen as Rusty runs through a mental checklist of things that must be done before departing for Afghanistan in the afternoon.Photo by Mark F. Sypher for the Fauquier Times-Democrat
   
Clarissa is examined by Dr. Tom Myers in the days leading up to Rusty’s departure. Clarissa would spend most of the first year of motherhood single.Photo by Mark F. Sypher for the Fauquier Times-Democrat
   
Rusty packs his belongings while an unassembled crib leans up against a wall by the window.Photo by Mark F. Sypher for the Fauquier Times-Democrat
     
  
Minutes before a National Guard van arrives at a Sheetz gas station to pick him up, Rusty and Clarissa share a few quiet moments with family.Photo by Mark F. Sypher for the Fauquier Times-Democrat
   
Minutes before a National Guard van arrives at a Sheetz gas station to pick him up, Rusty and Clarissa share a few quiet moments with family.Photo by Mark F. Sypher for the Fauquier Times-Democrat
   
Rusty and Clarissa say a final "goodbye."Photo by Mark F. Sypher for the Fauquier Times-Democrat