You know you don't have to wait for him to come back...right?
He's gonna be away for a year...WRITE to him. And don't say you don't know your way around the written word; you've already proven that otherwise ;)
Write to him once, twice a week...everyday. Let him know you're thinking about him, missing him, tell him about your day...anything.
Of course, call him too, but I mentioned writing specifically because that takes a little more "effort" (that word Jon said)...and that'll come through loud and clear.

One day at a time Scott...and i wish you nothing but the best between you and your son moving forward.