HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Dear Gabe,

I'm sorry you've had to miss yet another Father's Day, but hopefully soon you'll be able to spend as much time as you want with your son.  Click on the link below to see a little slide show I put together for you.  Have a relaxing and safe day.  We're waiting patiently for your return.  Miss you, love you always,

Mom~

HAPPY  FATHER'S  DAY  GABRIEL

A VISIT FROM AN OLD NEIGHBOR

Dear Gabe,

Miss Mick came in to the store today.  She apologized for missing you when you were here.  We talked for quite a while, in between customers.  Michelle is in Hong Kong, on her way to port in Hawaii, what a life huh?  Maybe you should have joined the Navy huh?  Hehehehe!  Anyhow, Miss Mick said to let her know the next time you're in town because she would really love to see you again.

Father's Day is right around the corner, so if I don't get to talk to you then, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!  That still feels weird... you being a father.  Oh, I have no problem with me being a grandmother, but you a daddy?  Wow!  I just wish you had more time with Little Zachary.  Oh well, all in good time.

June is already half over, can you believe that?  Heck, the YEAR is almost half over.  Wonderful!  Be seeing you soon.  Be safe til then.  Miss you, Love you always,

Mom~

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Dear Gabe,

You probably already know this by now, but Al Zarqawi is dead.  A major player on the side of the bad guys in this war on terror is now no more.

It makes me wonder... how does his mother feel if she is still alive.  Does she cry for her son?  Is she grief stricken or numb by the loss of a son, her child?  Or does she share his hatred for freedom in the region, for peace on the earth, does she mirror his evil hatred for America and all it stands for?

I for one believe that the world is a better place now that he is gone.  I have been raised not to wish death upon anyone, but he really needed to be gone.  I only hope that without his influence, his followers might start to see that they can benefit from a peaceful society.

And I hope that you see and feel a difference... for the better, in your mission.

Be safe.  Miss you, love you always,

Mom~

Are you having fun yet?

Dear Gabe,

How was your little 'vacation' in Kuwait?  I'll be honest, I don't mind you being stuck over there a little while longer although I know you are bored and anxious to get back to your troop.  For all I know you could already be back there.  If so, be careful.

I spoke with Kayle yesterday morning.  She said Zachary had a touch of pneumonia.  Don't worry, he's fine.  Kids are tough like that.  I can't wait to see him... ugh... sometimes I wonder if I'll EVER meet him.

We're supposed to go panning for gold this weekend.  Dad bought some gold pans in Manitou Springs when we were there this past weekend.  The kids learned how to pan at Territory Days.  Who knows, we may strike it rich!  Or not.... hahahaha!  We're already $21 in the hole for the pans.  If nothing else it should be a lot of fun.

I'm trying not to count the weeks left, but its hard not to be happy about the fact that you're already well past the half way mark.  Stay safe son, and we'll be seeing you soon.

Miss you, Love you always,

Mom~

BACK TO IRAQ

Dear Gabe,

You're probably already in Kuwait by now.  Its hard to believe that two weeks have passed and you've already come and gone back to Iraq.  I only hope your remaining deployment goes by as quickly as your leave did.

I'm glad you shared your stories, and even your nightmares, with dad and me.  It helps me to understand what you are going through over there.  Listening to you and dad talk that technical 'hoo-hah' gave me a lot of comfort for I realized that you are no longer an inexperienced kid, you're a professional soldier, and a fine one at that.

You still have a potty mouth.  I can't believe how many times you can use the 'f' word in a sentence.  I think the record is 5 times.  Amazing!  Rocky would have been rich if she was sitting up with you and dad that last night!  And... she would have scored a few bucks from dad as well.  Too funny!

Well son, I hope you found some release from your leave.  I certainly did.  Its time to put your game face back on though.  Be safe out there, watch your back, take care of your buddies, and know that there are so many people back here who are so proud of you guys and what you are doing, and we've all got you in our prayers.

Miss you already, love you always.

Mom~